The Challenge Factory discussion

Finished listening to the audio version of The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (Audio book performed by Frank Muller) – 3.5***
This is a story about a dysfunctional family and one man’s belated attempts to come to grips with the horrors of his childhood, and to find a way to become a better man despite all that he has endured. While Conroy’s prose can be poetic, intensely personal, funny, irreverent, and so evocative of place that you can smell the brine of a salt marsh, his plotting in this case is sometimes so over-the-top as to stretch credulity too far. I got the feeling the story got away from him. Frank Muller does a creditable job narrating the audio version of the novel.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Viola in Reel Life – Adriana Trigiani
3***

Viola’s parents are documentary filmmakers, and a year-long assignment to Afghanistan means that Viola will have to spend her freshman year at an exclusive all-girl boarding school. That’s bad enough, but the school – The Perfect Academy – is in South Bend, Indiana, far from her Brooklyn friends and the excitement of city life. How is she supposed to sleep with all that quiet!?

This is a nice young-adult novel about opening yourself to new possibilities and making the best of a less-than-ideal situation. Our heroine is sometimes “Princess Snark,” sometimes a homesick girl, and always a 14-year-old girl away from home for the first time and beginning to discover what she wants from life. Viola’s roommates quickly help her break down the barriers she’s erected to maintain distance. And what she learns about her parents, her friends and herself will truly make this a memorable year.

BC, have you read The Fault in our stars yet?

Ezinwanyi~still loves Spartacus wrote: "BC, have you read The Fault in our stars yet?"

Yes, I have. Pretty good YA. Though I didn't like the whole Amsterdam business.

Finished listening to the audio version of Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan (Audio book narrated by Jonathan Davis) – 3.5***
This slim volume is a study in reflection. The reader witnesses Manny’s struggles, small victories, and seemingly endless defeats as he continues to put one foot in front of the other, ever hopeful that he is somehow in control of his future success. There are no pretty romantic endings here; Manny plows through his day, doing his best even when he realizes that his best isn’t quite good enough. It is a perfect appetizer of a novel, whetting my appetite for O’Nan’s writing, and leaving me hungry for more.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished


Currently reading and listening to

Finished reading Let There Be Suspects by Emilie Richards – 3***
This is book two in a series featuring minister’s wife Aggie Sloan-Wilcox, who cannot help but snoop whenever she feels her family is threatened. I like Aggie and Lucy (her best friend and sleuthing sidekick). In fact I like all the recurring characters and wouldn’t mind knowing more about them. However Richards took a very long time to set up the central plot; the murder doesn’t happen until page 90. Still, it’s a fast read, with plenty of suspects and clues, including some red herrings to lead the reader astray.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished up two books yesterday. One was The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts. I really enjoyed this one; I feel like I'm part of the town and can't wait to see how things wrap up in the next one. I also finished my second Kristen Ashley book, Mystery Man. I loved this one; I'm think I'm definitely hooked now. Next up to the read is Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister.

Finished Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger – 3***
This is a fast-paced thriller with an intelligent, resourceful, courageous heroine who thinks – and acts – for herself. Yes, there is a romantic interest, but Ridley doesn’t just rely on Jake to save her. She’s strong-willed and independent, and takes matters into her own hands. Some plot points seemed to get a little overboard, but on the whole this was an entertaining read. I’d definitely read another book by Unger.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am reading halfway through by Lizzy Ford.

The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fanny Flagg – 4****
What a delightful read! I just fell in love with Sookie, and enjoyed going along on her journey of self-discovery. Flagg never lets the minor characters take over the plot; rather, they add color and provide a framework for Sookie’s story. And her reactions are very real and understandable. Anyone would be thrown for a loop after receiving such a shock. What’s so fun about the book is watching her come to grips with what she has learned and growing into an even better version of the person she has always been. I also enjoyed the history on the women who flew for the Army Air Corps in WW2 with almost no recognition of their service.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished

Currently reading

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer – 1*
Book 3 in the Last Survivors series is a major disappointment. Miranda is less mature than she was at the end of book 1; Alex shows none of the leadership and resourcefulness that he displayed in book 2. Well, at least it reminds me why I generally dislike post-apocalyptic / dystopian fiction. It was a fast read, but seriously, don’t waste your time.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

reading and listening to

just started and halfway through with

The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle –Audiobook performed by Lily Rabe – 3.5***
12-year-old Alice Winston has to shoulder far too much responsibility on her family’s failing horse ranch. There were times when the writing and the storyline simply took my breath away and I was left gasping. But there were times when I was left wondering “Where is this going?” Alice is clearly intelligent, but she is an unreliable narrator given her penchant for telling lies, both small and large. Alice has perfected the art of turning people away before they can reject her; she is so good at this, that she also keeps the reader at bay. Lily Rabe does a fine job performing the audio version.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Those We Love Most by Lee Woodruff – 4****
This is a character-driven novel that explores how one family deals with a devastating loss and the resultant guilt they feel. A passage from the book seems to sum it up nicely: “Please kept secrets. People built walls. It didn’t mean they couldn’t and didn’t love with all their hearts. ” As they try to recover from the tragedy, they alternately turn to or reject each other in their grief and distress. The reader can only watch them stumble along, hurting one another, understanding one another, forgiving one another.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished . I gave it 4.5 stars and I highly recommend it!

Listening to (which is less than impressive. the narrator is the same lady from House of Commare by Kristen Painter and it's like having Chrysabelle yapping all day)

I just started reading

Up next: &

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde –Audiobook performed by Elizabeth Jasicki – 3***
This was a quick, entertaining read, aimed at the YA market, but suitable for children ages 9 and up. There was at least one character that did a complete turnaround without any explanation. And I thought the ending was too fantastical. But, I liked that the heroine of this novel is a young girl who is intelligent, steadfast, caring, compassionate, strong and resourceful. I also loved the Quarkbeast, who is described as “nine-tenths velociraptor and kitchen blender and one-tenth Labrador.” For the genre and intended audience, I think it was a fine read. Elizabeth Jasicki does a fine job of performing the audio book.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Word Detective by Evan Morris – 3***
This is a collection of Morris’s language columns, which have appeared in newspapers and on his Web site. It’s a handy reference tool, covering common and obscure phrases/words, beginning with amok and ending with zarf. Those of us who love language and words will find plenty to tickle our fancies (whatever THAT phrase means – it’s not covered in this volume). Still, a little goes a long way, and reading it cover to cover as I did for a challenge meant that I grew bored.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now reading by Julia Crane.

I have finished a few since my last post:

finished off that series, pretty good :)

Then read: and - not too bad but I started to get a little annoyed with the characters and wanted to hurry up and finish.

Wanted something lighter, so read - really liked this one. Loved the snarky back and forth between the main characters :)

Now for something darker:

reading all 3 books

Finished

Currently reading All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire and listening to

The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block – 5*****
A young woman is murdered; her roommate is found covered in her blood nearby. He’s arrested for the murder, and commits suicide in his jail cell. Case closed. But the girl’s father wants to know more; he wants to know how she came to this end. Ex-cop and unlicensed private investigator Matthew Scudder agrees to make inquiries. Block is a master of suspense, and he writes a tight novel. There is nary a word out of place or an extraneous phrase. What I really loved about the book was Scudder himself. I’ll definitely be reading more of this series.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke (Book on CD read by Suzanne Torren – 1*
This is book # 15 in the cozy mystery series featuring Hannah Swenson. The plot was thin and stretched credulity way too far. The side story of Norman and Doctor Bev was unbelievable and ridiculous. The dialogue is terrible. I did not like Suzanne Torren’s performance on the audio version at all. I give it 1 star for the recipes, some of which I actually would like to try.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Conquistadora by Esmeralda Santiago
Audiobook read by the author – 4****
This is a sweeping historic epic romance and adventure, focused on one strong woman who travels from Spain to Puerto Rico in 1844 when her new husband inherits a sugar plantation. While the book’s focus is on Ana, Santiago also took time to flesh out many of the other characters. The island, itself, is a character in the book – the geography and history of Puerto Rico are central to this story. At the end, Ana is only 39 years old. While I was completely satisfied with the novel, I was sorry to see it end. I hope there will be a sequel. Santiago does a marvelous job narrating the audio version of the book; her passion for the story comes through in her performance.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished

Currently Reading and listening to

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
Audiobook read by Stephen Hoye – 3***
When Joey Peronne’s no-good husband throws her overboard she vows revenge. With Carl Hiaasen writing the novel, you know she’ll win in the end but watching how she goes about it is what makes the ride so much fun. This is typical Hiaasen: outlandish situations and inept crooks with a dose of environmental concern. Like his others, this novel is a fast read and entertaining from the first sentence to the last. Stephen Hoye does a fine job narrating the audio version. He has a good pace, and brings this zany cast of characters to life.
This Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lapham Rising by Roger Rosenblatt – 2.5**
This is a satire about the excesses of modern American life, and what we truly need versus what we want. As Harry engages in a war of words against his neighbor, he manages to skewer just about everything that defines “success” in our acquisitive world. The problem I had with the book is that I thought that Rosenblatt was trying too hard. Harry is too clever by half; he can never simply state his position he has to be erudite, witty, and bitingly sarcastic. And I got tired of Hector, the talking dog, pretty quickly. Rosenblatt is a good writer; his memoir, Making Toast, was very good. I just didn’t warm to this effort.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just finished and I wasn't impressed with it at all.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Audiobook performed by Dan Stevens – 5*****
When a wealthy American is found stabbed to death in his locked sleeping compartment, railroad officials ask fellow passenger Hercule Poirot to investigate. This is a traditional “locked room” mystery. Everyone in the first class coach is interviewed, and everyone has an airtight alibi. Christie is at the top of her game here. She populates the Orient Express with a wide variety of colorful characters. The train may be at a standstill, but the plot races forward. Dan Stevens does a fine job narrating the audio version. He has good pacing and is able to give the many characters distinct voices.
This Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am listening to and reading

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff – 2.5**
This is a YA paranormal / romance / mystery. The serial killer plot was pretty interesting. The teen romance was pretty interesting. The best friend ghost, not so much. I think Yovanoff couldn’t decide on a genre; is it a paranormal book? A romance? A mystery? I did like Hannah, and really loved her little sister Ariel. If I were my 13-year-old niece, I’d probably rate this higher, but for me it’s just a little below average.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Concierge wrote: " Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff – 2.5**
This is a YA paranormal / romance / mystery. The serial killer plot was pretty interesting. The teen romance was pr..."

the cover looks a little creepy too!

Currently reading My Place by Sally Morgan and A Fortunate Life by Albert B. Facey

They're both very intriguing books by Australian authors who basically tell there life story's. Would definitely recommend everyone reads these two, whether you're Australian or not. It really makes you think about how easy your life actually is compared to what others had to go through and at such a young age.

I am currently reading I'm finding it slow going as much of the English has changed since original writing. I've never read anything by Louisa May Alcott before and if this book doesn't grab my attention soon I may never read another one of her books again.

Finished

Currently Reading and listening to

Finished and now Listening to

Barbara ★ wrote: "Finished [bo..."

Like, all in one day???

I'm reading

Allie wrote: "Barbara ★ wrote: "Finished [bookcover:Primal Ins...

"Like, all in one day???

I am sure it's from the last time she posted.

Sometimes people go a while without posting and thus post all the books since they posted last

Haha wasn't sure. I know a lady on here that could read those in a day!

Allie wrote: "Haha wasn't sure. I know a lady on here that could read those in a day!"

I wouldn't believe anyone who said that. I am sorry but I wouldn't.
You can't read and digest 6 books in a 24 hour period

I meant read all at the same time but didn't start all at one sitting. You could post an "x" amount of books and have only read 20 pages of one and finished, 100 pages of another and finished, blah blah blah all in one day.

I dunno... this women is retired and all the books she posts are usually not more than 250/300 pages. Its possible. I don't really see what there's to gain by lying.

Currently reading The Name of the Wind and Glass Houses

Both are so far pretty great. Next I'm gonna read Red Dragon which I'm really looking forward to too.

Chocolates for Breakfast by Pamela Moore – 3***
Pamela Moore was only eighteen when this debut novel was first published in 1956. At the time it was considered scandalous for the references to homosexuality, divorce and suicide. Apparently all the drinking, smoking and teenager/older man sex didn’t seem unusual. Major book reviews have called it “Permeated with sadness and existential longing” (Los Angeles Review of Books), or “A gem of adolescent disaffection featuring a Holden Caulfield-like heroine” (Vogue). In a sense I agree with these assessments, but I didn’t find it sensational, moving, or terribly interesting. I just found it sad, in the way that I feel sad when reading about any young person who is so very lost.
This Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

listening to and reading