The Book Challenge discussion
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Vanessa's 2010 Challenge - Done :D
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(3)Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie KinsellaReally cute and fun read! I'm already reading the second of the series and I enjoy the main character and all of the sub-characters although the flightiness of Becky Bloomwood gets a bit annoying at times. Good pick me up book.
(4) Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie KinsellaThis was another cute read but nowhere near as good as "Confessions". At times I was annoyed with Becky because she was such a liar with an extremely high view of herself and prone to whine but in general it was enjoyable.
(5) The Killing Club by Marcie Walsh & Michael Malone
So this was apparently a novel based off of 'One Life to Live' but it had a pretty cool premise and the writing was pretty smooth. I read it quickly and I was a bit disappointed in the end (more predicatable than I had hoped) but much better than I had expected.
(6) Babyface Killers: Horrifying True Stories of America's Youngest Murderers by Clifford L. LinedeckerThis was a very hard book to get through. Not because the writing or stories were bad, just because it was such a sad, terrifying topic. It was extremely eye opening to what schools and teachers have to go through and truthfully I don't remember most of the school shootings during that time except for Columbine and it's just heart-breaking to read all of the back stories and about the lives of those lost. I think it's something everyone should read up on though for the good of our future and for our children's sakes!
(7)Four to Score by Janet Evanovich(8)High Five by Janet Evanovich
Fun series to read in between the heavy stuff. Only 10 more or so to go! :D
(9)Song of Solomon by Toni MorrisonThis was a beautifully written book but it was a bit hard for me to understand the meaning. It was almost as if it talked about everything but nothing all at once. I'm wondering if I missed some deeper meaning? I did like it alot though.
(10)Evil Without a Face by Jordan DaneThe writing of the book was good but the story itself was slow and boring. It had similarities to one of Dane's previous books and throughout the entire book I was having a hard time finishing. I only got through it because the author is from my hometown.
(11)Justice: Crimes, Trials, and Punishments by Dominick Dunne This was an interesting read because it described many of the most popular murder trials in America. I liked going more in-depth about the cases, especially since I was either really young or not born yet when most of them occurred. I enjoyed Dunne's writing although he had a tendency of name dropping and praising himself while not providing enough details to know what exactly is going on in the cases so I had to look them up. Still good and educational.
(12) The Reader by Bernhard Schlink It was an interesting premise but with very simplistic writing. I wasn't expecting it to be about WWII but it gave the book depth that otherwise wouldn't have been there. Good, but not great and I'm still wondering about the 'whys' behind it.
(13)The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov It's kind of hard to describe this book. I will admit that a few parts are still a bit hazy to me but in general, a really good read. It was very deep at times but also very entertaining. Great imaginiation at work and fun to read most of the time but it still took me awhile to finally finish it.
(14) Almost Like Being in Love by Christina Dodd Total fluff that tried to bring in some suspense but was pretty cheesy anyway. Very quick read and good transition after "Master and Margarita".
(15)Hocus Pocus by Kurt VonnegutWow! This is by far my favorite Vonnegut book. Not only because it isn't as science-fictiony, but also because he had a huge message to tell and he made sure that the message was made in a big, and obvious, way. This is definitely a must read for everybody to help them see things in a different and much better light.
(16) The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan KunderaBeautiful writing but unclear purpose. I enjoyed it but it's one of those I might have to read again to try and fully 'get it'.
(17) Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
(18) Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
(19) The Gum Thief: A Novel by Douglas Coupland
Very funny writing and interesting style but depressing content. I'll probably try another one of his books to see how it is.
(20) Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
Obviously trying to read the entire Stephanie Plum series, just not all at once. Fun stuff!
(21) Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt I truly enjoyed his insight and way of looking at the world. Refreshing and revealing. Makes me want to ask more questions and find more answers
(22) To the Nines by Janet EvanovichThis was actually my favorite in the series so far due to the plot as well as how quickly I was able to read it.
(23) I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It by Barbara Sher
At first I thought this book would be helpful but after reading through quite a few of the chapters, I realized it was all fluff and useless. For each different 'situation', she was basically giving the same solution and they were pretty lame so it didn't help me at all.
(24) The Goal by Eliyahu M. GoldrattI read this for my MBA program but it was surprisingly enjoyable. It made me realize that I do enjoy business and the process of making a company profitable which is good since I will be investing 2 years in furthering my degree. The writing wasn't great but better than I expected. I wish all of my school textbooks would be this interesting and practical!
(26) Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich(27) Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
This are super easy reads that are quick and entertaining. They are also excellent for distracting me from doing what I should actually be doing.
(28) Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet EvanovichOnly two more to go (that are paperback, at least).
(29) Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
(30) Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet EvanovichI'm just glad I'm done with this series. I thought the overall plot would've developed more by now but Stephanie is in the same position; love, career, and emotion-wise; as she was fifteen books before. I think this is my last Evanovich despite the fact that I did enjoy the books and they were great summer reads.
(31)Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis CarrollSo I'm way behind in my goal and not sure I'm going to make it. This book was a major disappointment probably due to the fact that the Disney movie is much more fantastic and interesting. Took me much longer to read than it should have due to how short it is.
(32) Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin by Kathy GriffinThis was a truly enjoyable, yet intense at times, book that made me respect Kathy much more than I had before. She really is tenancious and dedicated to what she does! And funny to boot
(33)Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Wonderful book! It truly helped to capture what a child goes through having to learn a new language and go to school at the same time. Beautifully written and touching story. I couldn't put it down so I read it all night through!
(34)The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
I really enjoyed the twists in the book. If I'm not able to figure out where the storyline is going, I get excited because that is rare. The story built strong, relatable characters and I definitely will read the entire trilogy
(35)Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen FieldingCute, funny story that I read in a day. You get really attached to Bridget's character!
(36)Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Ehh, only so-so. Not great writing with a lot of holes in the story (mystery) and lame conversations/situations.
(37)Half Broke Horses by Jeanette WallsAnother great book by Walls! I wasn't sure if I would get into this one since it was a historical western but I was hooked a few pages in and read it in no time! She really knows how to put words on pages and get her point across.
(38)Prodigal Son (Frankenstein #1) by Dean Koontz
So this is actually my second time to read this book but since the 3rd book finally came out years after my initial reading of this book, I knew I would have reread the original two to remember what was happening. As usual, I still love me some Dean Koontz
(39)City of Night (Frankenstein #2) by Dean Koontz(40)Dead and Alive (Frankenstein #3) by Dean Koontz
A bit more anti-climactic than I had hoped for but still really good. Now I have to read the 4th book!
(41)The Help by Kathryn Stockett
This book was amazing! I could barely put it down. I love books that have great messages but aren't too preachy. She did a great job of exemplifing what the conditions were like at that time. Recommend it to anyone!
(42) Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns by Mary QuattlebaumI read this book for an e-mentoring gig I am doing. It was a cute story with a good moral that I'll keep around for my kids to eventually read.
(43) The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Second book in this series and really intriguing! I actually liked it better than the first because of the action and suspense. Can't wait to read the final of the trilogy!
(44) Dear Diary by Lesley Arfin
This was an interesting memoir type book looking into the life of a heroin addict. I couldn't relate to her as much due to generational gaps and my having never gotten into the drug scene but it was still good to see her perspective, struggles, etc.
(45) Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
This was a suprisingly cute book that was super easy to read. I actually rooted for the other woman, something I never expected to do! I plan on reading the second in this series during my winter break as well since they are so quick.
(46)Something Blue by Emily GiffinAnother cute, fast read that I enjoyed. Not life changing but definitely fun.
(47)The Giver by Lois LowryAmazing book! I know its for young adults but I loved the premise and the message involved. Good stuff.
(48)The Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka
Some of the stories were pretty interesting while others were plain crazy and others didn't even make sense. Still not quite sure what to make of it.
(49)Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
I love the TV series and ends up I love the books as well! (or at least the first one) It was quite similar to the first season but did have enough differences to stay interesting. Also had some super funny phrases uttered by Dexter that kept it more fun. Excited to read the rest of the series.
(50)The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Loved, loved, loved this book!! I was crying within the first few pages and was in love with the story in no time. Heartbreaking yet still uplifting. In the process of finishing the trilogy.
*So technically I didn't make my 52 book goal but I did read a few books for school that I will count although they won't be included in this list so that I still feel as if my goal has been accomplished :D
(1)The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain (3 stars)
A surprisingly insightful book with many psychological aspects. I liken it to a Wally Lamb novel in the sense that it delves into the human psyche a little too much for my taste while droning on about not so important events but I actually liked Chamerlain's writing and story better. All in all a realistic read with good views on human nature.
(2)Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan (4 stars)
So this is an adcrable book about a black lab (I come from a lab-lovin family). It is also surprisingly psychological but mainly about the grieving process and the curing nature of having a wonderful pet. A few parts were far fetched and a bit confusing but a great read for dog lovers!