Challenge: 50 Books discussion

I love to read so this challenge shouldn't be hard, so I will add a little twist for myself. I intend to read more non-fiction books this year. I would love reccomendations if anyone has any. Actually, I would love reccomendations of any kind. I have stuck to reading my favorite authors for so long and would like to expand my favorites, my knowledge, my thought process and my imagination. I am trying to balance my mind as well as my body this year. I have gotten a good start to the physical body, but a slow start on the mental. Hopefully the challenge will jump start my brain. So, bring on the reccomendations...I'm ready!!!

Hi Jennifer. Good luck with your challenge. I always try to read several non-fiction books a year as well. A couple of the best non-fiction I've read in the last couple of years are:

1) Infidel
2) Generation Kill
3) I Lost My Love in Baghdad: A Modern War Story
4) The Good Soldiers
I've wanted to be updated on what is going on in Afghanistan & Iraq and I'm a vet so that's why so many military books. But the military books I've listed aren't really about the military or policy but more about the human experience that these soldiers go through in war.

Also, on the fiction side, The Gargoyle and Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story were two of my favorites from last year. Hope these suggestions help and good luck.

Jennifer wrote: "I love to read so this challenge shouldn't be hard, so I will add a little twist for myself. I intend to read more non-fiction books this year. I would love reccomendations if anyone has any. Ac..."

Thank you for the suggestions. I am at Barnes and Noble now, so will go and check them out. I have no electricy, so what better to do than read, right??

My List So far:

1) The Hound of the Baskervilles (graphic novel)by Ian Edginton
2) Under the Dome by Stephen King
3) The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King (audio book)
4) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (graphic novel) by Eric Shanower
5) American Gods by Neil Gaiman (audio book)
6) My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler

7) Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach - wow, this one really gets you thinking about whether or not to donate your body and also, what did she miss while researching this book? There was so much I didn't know. Just makes you wonder...

Jennifer wrote: "I love to read so this challenge shouldn't be hard, so I will add a little twist for myself. I intend to read more non-fiction books this year. I would love reccomendations if anyone has any. Ac..."

Columbine by Dave Cullen. Really good. His brother was in my class at school. A brush with greatness.... third hand and thirty years ago!

I am in agreement with Connie above that one of my favorites for 2009 was "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson. There is a fair amount of medical information about burn victims at the onset of the book that some may not be able to bear through, but if you do a wonderful and unforgettable story unfolds.

8)Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford - This one was reccomended to me as I was walking around Border's today trying to decide what to get with my gift certificates. I love a good vampire novel...I this one fits the bill!!! I'll let ya know!!!

9) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - going to continue on my Jane Austen spin-off kick
10) Love is a Mix Tape - I found this one while browsing around in the book store. Gosh I remember making mix tape after mix tape...each to fit my current mood, state of my love life (why are the break-up tapes the ones your remember best), and whether or not I wanted to live at the time (the teenage years were hard, but survived because I had my mix tapes.) So can you tell why this book was appealing?? I just hope it's as good as I imagine it will be. I'll keep you posted.

Jennifer wrote: "10) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - going to continue on my Jane Austen spin-off kick
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Just got this from the library. How did you like it?

9)


Hey Donna!! I actually just started really reading it last night. I got so completely hooked into that I didn't get to PPZ. From what I read last night though, it is quite funny with the added zombie epidemic and the illustrations are fabulous. They really add to the story. I'd love to know what you think.

11)Lowboy - I just received this from one of the book giveaways and so I will read and review it...it sounds pretty interesting...I hope it doesn't let me down...

It's supposed to snow tonight so I think there's a good chance I'll have this one read by Monday. Laundry be damned!

I'm about halfway through it it now and it just gets better. It's a good book to pass a snowed in weekend with. Stay warm!!!!

Jennifer wrote: "I'm about halfway through it it now and it just gets better. It's a good book to pass a snowed in weekend with. Stay warm!!!!"

Unfortunately, it did not snow as predicted so I had no excuse to not do my weekend errands, social activities. I'm only a 3rd of the way through & it is snort worthy. Can't wait to see his take on Lady Catherine!

12)Good Omens by Terry Pratchet and Neil Gaiman - I have wanted to read this one for while and it finally came in at the audio bookstore...I can't wait!!!

13)When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

[image error] 14)The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

15)I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts about being a Woman by Nora Ephron

16) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I absolutely loved this book and last night I saw the movie. It definitely wasn't as powerful as the book, but it was still a wonderful movie. I may have to read the again now. ;)

17) Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - It's been awhile since I read a YA book and felt it was just what I needed. I saw the movie already and loved it. I hope I still feel the same way after reading the book.

18)Drink, Play, F@#k by Andrew Gottleib - It's a humorous work of fiction depicting what a guy would do given the same opportunity as Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love." It's kind of hard to read because I loved "Eat, Pray, Love" so much, but it's pretty frickin' hilarious so far...

Ok, it was hilarious for awhile and then it got dumb...almost didn't finish it, but I kept hoping he would bring it back around.

19) 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones - I am listening to this book on CD. I have just begun, but it's very exciting and intriguing so far.

20)The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan- I am really enjoying this series. I am anxiously awaiting for the 3rd book to arrive at the audiobook store
21) The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind - So surprised to see the Lord Raul story continue...
21) 39 Clues - One False Note - I am so looking forward to see if this series holds up. I loved the first book, but in this series the authors change with each new book. Should be interesting.

22) 39 Clues: The Sword Thief
23) 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave
24) 39 Clues: The Black Circle
25) 39 Clues: In Too Deep
26) 39 Clues: The Viper's Nest

27) 39 Clues: The Emperor's Code - Can you tell I am addicted to this series? I have been racing through these books. I love the characters, the historical references, the ability to search for more clues to the story online, etc., etc. David Pittu is an excellent reader with a great cast of voices to carry out these exciting stories. I highly reccomend this series to children and adults alike. This would be a great series to listen to on those long road trips this summer as a family.

Oh Wow!!! I just realized I am more than half way to my goal of 50 books this year. I may have to choose a higher goal next year. I hope everyone else is keeping up with their challenge. I have one more book to add.
28) Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris - I can't wait to find out what happens next with Miss Sookie Stackhouse. I can't wait to get Miss Harris to sign my book tomorrow in San Francisco. I have really grown to love both the Sookie series, but also the Harper Connelly series. Never been to a book signing before. Should be interesting.

29)Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris - Oh my Gosh!!! Loved this book, can't believe this the end of this series...
30)A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore - ever wonder what would happen if you suddenly got the job of the "Grim Reaper"...I just started this one, but so far the characters are frickin' hilarious and I love that it takes place in my home town of San Francisco, CA


I can't believe I am still on track to finish 50 books in a year...keep reading y'all...we can do it!!!

31)City of Bones - A friend of mine recommended this series to me. Here's to hoping it's as good as she described. Anyone else read this series?

32) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - just finished this one and am now officially hooked on this series. Can't wait to find out what happens in the next one...
33) City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - I love that she doesn't find the need to slow it down as she starts a new book. She just jumps right into the action, right where she left off. I love it.
34) The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson - I had a hard time getting into this book, especially since I have heard so many great things about this series, but as I pushed myself to keep reading, I finally found myself reading out of curiousity. Can't wait to see where this one goes.

35) The 39 Clues: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park - can't believe I almost forgot this one. This book has to be my favorite so far in the series. So much is learned and so many questions finally answered. Anxiously awaiting Book #10.

36) Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore - Since I loved "A Dirty Job" by Mr. Moore, I thought I would check out another one of his books and why not one about one of my favorite characters, Coyote the Trickster. I am so ready for some more hilarity.

Does anyone have any further reccomendations for non-fiction books? I have kind of strayed from my mission to read more non-fiction books, but life just got a little too serious to read anything well, serious. Would love some uplifting or humorous reccomendations? Thanks in advance...

If you're looking for something humorous, I recently finished "Me of Little Faith" by Lewis Black. Funny & just a little thought provoking. And for not funny, but interesting, I'm working on "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Sachs".

37) The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly - I found this book in the bargain bin and thought it sounded interesting. Just started reading it and so far it's heartbreaking, I can't wait for the story to pick up. I'm not saying it's not a good book though. Don't get me wrong there. The writing is fabulous, I just want to get to the fairytale part of the story.

Donna - I am going to read "Me of Little Faith" next if i can find it at my audiobook store. Who is the author on the other one? I can't find it in a search on this site. Thanks.

Me of Little Faith, Lewis Black.

38)The Colorado Kid by Stephen King - couldn't find what I was looking for so I picked this one up since I started watching the show "Haven"...I hope it's good and maybe adds insight to the show...it will be a very quick listen though so I have to figure out what to read next....

39) Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore - didn't have much time to pick a book this time, so I grabbed this one...it is the season of True Blood so why not read a Vampire book...so far so good...

40) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - I have seen this book on many people's lists, in magazines, and all over bookstores. I never thought to pick it up until I was once again having trouble deciding what to get. I had always thought it was a non-fiction book which I seem to not be in the mood for despite my promise to unclude more NF books in this challenge. So I was surprised to find that it was fiction and not only that, it's written from the point of view of a dog. Basically, it's about a dog that is literally on his last legs and is reliving what he has learned in this life and what his hopes are for the next. I think this book is going to tug at my heartstrings BIG time, but I'm due for a good cry.

I have reached #40...WOO-HOO!!!! Ten more books to go to reach my goal!!!!

You will definitely need a box of Kleenex on standby.

Jennifer wrote: " 17) Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - It's been awhile since I read a YA book and felt it was just what I needed. I saw the movie already..."

I am a new member to this group, and I love the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series!!! It is so funny and imaginative. I will start my own 50 book challenge soon!!!

Jennifer wrote: " 35) The 39 Clues: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park - can't believe I almost forgot this one. This book has to be my favorite so far in the series. So much is lear..."

Just read it! So awesome! I am so excited for Book 10 also. It's supposed to come out around August 30th. I feel it has one of the deepest storylines of a series I have ever read. I really can't explain it to my friends or family. What was your favourite part of the whole series so far? And who is your favourite character?

Jennifer wrote: "22) 39 Clues: The Sword Thief
23) 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave
24) 39 Clues: The Black Ci..."

Wooooo! Best series EVER! LOL! Amy and Dan hardly seem related sometimes.

Jennifer wrote: " 16) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert"

Isn't there going to be a movie coming out soon? Or is it different. Haven't seen very many trailers yet. Oh well. R:

Hey guys! My new 50 books a year is posted now! It's under the name Cameron. And anyway, Jenna, your challenge is the only one I read, because all the other one are boring. LOL!

Cameron - welcome to the group...I hope you enjoy the challenge you have put forth for yourself. The 39 clues series has definitely become one of my favorite series and I am on pins and needles to find out who it will end. "Eat, Pray, Love" is based on the book I read above. I hope they do the book justice as the book dearly touched me heart and soul. Happy reading!!!

Donna - you were so right, I needed that box of kleenex, but it was so good.

41) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - It's time for a non-fiction book. With only 10 books to go in my challenge, they may all have to be non-fiction books. Can I do it? I don't know since I seem to need the escape of my fiction books, but I'll try since I want to stay true to the challenge I set forth for myself. So here we go.

42) Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher - trying to stick with the non-fiction and have heard that this one is a good one. It's read by Carrie Fisher too, which I always enjoy more because the read it the way they wrote it. I'll let you know how it goes.

43)On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King - loving it so far...

44) The Princess Bride by William Goldman - I know I said I was going to finish my 50 with Non-Fiction, but when your name comes up on the "Wait List" you gotta take your chance or be moved to the bottom of the list. Plus it's only a 3 hour book. I can get through that in no time. I was a little worried that it's an abridged version, but as I looked through the different versions I saw that it's like 57 pages different. Hopefully that means they truly did only include the "Good Parts" as the abridged version is called.

45)The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis - Yes, I am getting back onto the non-fiction kick with this one...everything I wanted to listen to was checked out so I went with this one. It sounded interesting, though a little similar to "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants." 13 women pitch in to buy an extremely expensive necklace and this is the story of how it changed each of their lives as the necklace goes from woman to woman. I'll let ya know how it goes!!! 6 books till I reach 50 including this one. Amazing!!!

Jennifer, a necklace seems much more ultimately rewarding to wear than a pair of pants! I will TBR this.

You have a point there Carol. I would definitely choose a beautiful necklace over a pair of pants any day. I am hoping to actually start this one tomorrow, so I'll keep you posted as to whether it's worth reading.

46) The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan - I have seen his books all over the bookstores for the last few months, but didn't decide to pick one up until he was recently reccomended to me. Can't wait to see what I learn from this one.