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message 1: by NeoRipley69 (last edited Dec 30, 2010 11:20PM) (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments January

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Roald Dahl Fantastic Mr. Fox - Roald Dahl - READ TO MY SON

2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel Yann Martel Life of Pi - Yann Martel - READ

3. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham John Wyndham The Chrysalids - John Wyndham - READ

February

4. The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham John Wyndham The Midwich Cuckoos - John Wyndham - READ

5. The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard J.G. Ballard The Drowned World - J.G. Ballard - READ

6. Watchmen by Alan Moore Alan Moore Watchmen - Alan Moore - READ

7. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman - READ

May

8. A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon Mark Haddon A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon - READ

9. Duma Key by Stephen King Stephen King Duma Key - Stephen King - READ

June

10. Lisey's Story by Stephen King Stephen King Lisey's Story - Stephen King - READ

11. Conqueror's Moon (The Boreal Moon Tale) by Julian May Julian May Conqueror's Moon - Julian May - READ

12. The Vesuvius Club (Lucifer Box,#1) by Mark Gatiss Mark Gatiss The Vesuvius Club - Mark Gatiss - READ

13. The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks IAIN M BANKS The Player of Games - Iain M Banks - READ

July

14. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell George Orwell Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell - READ

15. Matilda by Roald Dahl Roald Dahl Matilda - Roald Dahl - READ TO MY SON.

16. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote Truman Capote Breakfast at Tiffany's - Truman Capote - READ

17. Goldfinger (Penguin Modern Classics) by Ian Fleming Ian Fleming Goldfinger - Ian Fleming - READ

18. A Kestrel for a Knave (Penguin Modern Classics) by Barry Hines Barry Hines A Kestrel for a Knave - Barry Hines - READ

19. The Devil in Amber (Lucifer Box, #2) by Mark Gatiss Mark Gatiss The Devil in Amber: A Lucifer Box Novel - Mark Gatiss - READ

20. Hunter's Moon (Gollancz S.F.) by David Devereux David Devereux Hunter's Moon - David Devereux - READ

21. Stardust by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman Stardust - Neil Gaiman - READ

22. Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1) by Orson Scott Card Orson Scott Card Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card - READ

23. Black Butterfly (Lucifer Box, #3) by Mark Gatiss Mark Gatiss Black Butterfly: A Lucifer Box Novel - Mark Gatiss - READ

24. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Roald Dahl James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl - READ TO MY SON

25. The Elder Gods (The Dreamers, #1) by David Eddings David Eddings The Elder Gods - David Eddings - READ

Book challenge complete!

August

26. From the Dust Returned by Ray Bradbury Ray Bradbury From the Dust Returned - Ray Bradbury - READING

27. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman Joe Haldeman The Forever War - Joe Haldeman - READ

28. American Gods by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman American Gods - Neil Gaiman - READ

29. The Sandman Endless Nights by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman The Sandman - Endless Nights - Neil Gaiman - READ

30. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman - READ

31. Feersum Endjinn by Iain M. Banks Iain M. Banks Feersum Endjinn - Iain M. Bank - READ

September

32. Altered Carbon (Takeshi Kovacs, #1) by Richard K. Morgan Richard K. Morgan - Altered Carbon - Richard K. Morgan - READ

33. The Princess Bride by William Goldman William Goldman The Princess Bride - William Goldman - READ

34. The Stepford Wives (Film Classics) by Ira Levin Ira Levin The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin - READ

35. Horns by Joe Hill Joe Hill Horns - Joe Hill - READ

36. Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, #1) by Eoin Colfer Eoin Colfer Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer - READ

October

37. Life During Wartime (SF Masterworks, #66) by Lucius Shepard Lucius Shepard Life During Wartime - Lucius Shepard - READ

38. The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2) by Rick Riordan Rick Riordan Percy Jackson - The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan - READ

39. The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl, #2) by Eoin Colfer Eoin Colfer Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident - Eoin Colfer - READ

40. Looking for Jake and Other Stories by China Miéville China Miéville Looking for Jake and Other Stories - China Mieville - READ

41. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein Robert A. Heinlein Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein - READ

November

42. Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy, #3) by Jonathan Stroud Jonathan Stroud Ptolemy's Gate - Jonathan Stroud - READ

43. World War Z An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks Max Brooks World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War - Max Brooks - READ

December

44. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury Ray Bradbury Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury - READ

45. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3) by Rick Riordan Rick Riordan Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan - READ

46. Phase Space by Stephen Baxter Stephen Baxter Phase Space - Stephen Baxter - READ

47. Doctor Who The Dust of Ages (The Darksmith Legacy Book 1) by Justin Richards Justin Richards The Darksmith Legacy: The Dust of Ages - Justin Richards - READ

48. Doctor Who The Graves of Mordane (The Darksmith Legacy Book 2) by Colin Brake Colin Brake The Darksmith Legacy: The Graves of Mordane - Colin Brake - READ

49. Doctor Who The Colour of Darkness (The Darksmith Legacy Book 3) by Richard Dungworth Richard Dungworth The Darksmith Legacy: The Colour of Darkness - Richard Dungworth - READ

50. Doctor Who The Depths of Despair (The Darksmith Legacy Book 4) by Justin Richards Justin Richards The Darksmith Legacy: The Depths of Despair - Justin Richards

51. Y The Last Man Vol. 1 Unmanned by Brian K. Vaughan Brian K. Vaughan Y: The Last Man - Brian K. Vaughan - READ


message 2: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Leola wrote: "I want to read Life of Pi so badly. Tell us how you like it."

I'll add a post to let you know, enjoying it so far.




message 3: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Leola wrote: "I want to read Life of Pi so badly. Tell us how you like it."

Hi Leola, I really enjoyed Life of Pi overall, initially found it a challenge to get into, but the latter half of the book that deals with his survival is really interesting and kept me hooked to the end. Nice twist in the last few pages too. Hope you enjoy it too.




message 4: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments REALLY enjoyed Chrysalids by John Wyndham, kept me gripped and couldn't go to sleep until I finished it! Tired today but well worth it.


message 5: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Thought i'd continue the John Wyndham theme and try another of his books, 'The Midwich Cuckoos'. Once again really enjoyed the book. Onto the next 'The Drowned World' by J G Ballard, I like dystopian future literature and so I thought I'd give it bash. Heard some of it on the radio and it intrigued me.


message 6: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Finished the Drowned World last night, good ending but felt the book was a challenging read from the start. Overall it was OK but felt some frustration with some of the characters particularly Kerans and Beatrice. Gave it 3 stars. Now onto the Book Thief by Markus Zusak recommended to me by my daughter.


message 7: by Lori (new)

Lori | 3 comments I just finished "the book thief" last week and loved it!! I hope you enjoy it too! It blows my mind to think these people survived (mentally survived as well as physically) though this time in history. Zusak is a great writer; I found myself really feeling for the characters!

Enjoy :-) Lori


message 8: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Lori wrote: "I just finished "the book thief" last week and loved it!! I hope you enjoy it too! It blows my mind to think these people survived (mentally survived as well as physically) though this time in hi..."

Hi Lori, i'm really enjoying the book thief too ! What are you reading at the moment?



message 9: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Just started Watchmen last night! Really excited! Proving fantastic already, everything I thought it would be.


message 10: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments I finished Watchmen a couple of days ago, was really good, enjoyed every minute.


message 11: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Read the entire Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman yesterday, couldn't put it down it was that good. Excellent read. Now starting The Princess of Landover.


message 12: by Lori (new)

Lori | 3 comments Hey Jason :-)

After I read The Book Thief I read The Time Travellers Wife. I enjoyed it so much that I bought Niffenegger's newest book called Her Fearful Symetry. I must say, it was twisted...I didn't really like it but I'm still thinking about it. So does that mean it was well wrtten but twisted...? hmmmm

I had to stop reading now to watch the Olympics :-)


I will have to check out the Graveyard book and the Watchmen.

Have a great day
Lori


message 13: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Moving house over last few weeks ... haven't had time to read for a few weeks !


message 14: by NeoRipley69 (last edited Jul 02, 2010 03:11AM) (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Just finished the Player of Games by Iain M Banks, great read, really enjoyed the story, I was gripped and couldn't wait to see if he won the ultimate game.

Now starting an old favourites that I return to time and again, nineteen eighty four.

I've picked up the pace for my reading challenge now that i've settled into my new home and country. I'm on target for completion of my challenge.


message 15: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Just finished 1984, an old favourite. Time for Breakfast at Tiffany's.


message 16: by Afsana (new)

Afsana (afsanaz) it seems that you will make it as you cleared the forst 16 in 6 months only leaves 8 in the next 6 months


message 17: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Jason wrote: "Just finished 1984, an old favourite. Time for Breakfast at Tiffany's."

1984 is one of my faves, too! Good book!!! :)



message 18: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Jason wrote: "Just finished 1984, an old favourite. Time for Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Hi Afsana, yes i've picked up the pace. Moved to a new country so got a bit behind. I should achieve my goal by the end of the year. How is your challenge coming along?


message 19: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Kathy wrote: "Jason wrote: "Just finished 1984, an old favourite. Time for Breakfast at Tiffany's."

1984 is one of my faves, too! Good book!!! :)"


Hi Kathy, nothing like a good dystopian future to cheer yourself up! I love Brave New World too. How about you? :)


message 20: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Brave New World is a great novel! Have you read We by Yevgeny Zemyatin? I found it on a Dystopian Reading List. It was written before 1984 and seems to be the inspiration of George Orwell to write 1984. Excellent Book. Also I loved Fahrenheit 451. Richard Matheson is one of my favorites. I just love dystopian fiction! Really makes you think!


message 21: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Hi Kathy, I haven't heard of We, i'll take a look, sounds good. Fahrenheit 451 is one of my favourites too! We're on a roll. I liked it so much I went to see a production of it at the Edinburgh Fringe a few years ago, really enjoyed it.


message 22: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I would've loved that! Have you seen the movie? I think they did a really good job! :)


message 23: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments I have seen the film, some years ago now but enjoyed it. 'I am Legend' - Richard Matheson is another of my favourites, love the film too! I like Charlton Heston in this film, Soylent Green and Planet of the Apes! Sci-fi classics. How about Logan's Run? Another one on my list of faves.


message 24: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Just finished Kestrel for a Knave, thought i'd add a classic to add some variety. Now onto a good detective novel, Devil in Amber a Lucifer Box adventure.


message 25: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Jason wrote: "I have seen the film, some years ago now but enjoyed it. 'I am Legend' - Richard Matheson is another of my favourites, love the film too! I like Charlton Heston in this film, Soylent Green and Plan..."

I Am Legend is one of my favorites as well! The Charleton Heston version wasn't very close to the book, but I liked it as a movie. The closest was the Vincent Price version, The Last Man On Earth. Good movie! I loved Soylent Green! Because I loved it, I had to read the book and hunted it down. Make Room, Make Room by Harry Harrison ended up being a bit disappointing. It was good, but the whole soylent green aspect of the movie wasn't there. Soylent Green was in the book, but just barely mentioned as a food product but no mention of anything further. The movie just took it further. Planet Of The Apes was a great movie and book! Have you read it? It's written by Pierre Boulle. Believe it or not by the same author that wrote Bridge Over The River Kwai. If you haven't, I highly recommend it! Logan's Run was a great classic sci fi movie! :)


message 26: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments I believe they're making a new Logan's Run movie due out in 2012, not sure I like the idea of a remake. There's nothing wrong with the original film. I've read two of the Logan books but must say they're a bit ropey, so haven't braved the 3rd. I hadn't thought to read Soylent Green but glad I haven't based on your comment. I haven't read Planet of the Apes but did know it was Pierre Boulle as read an article in a magazine long ago. Based on your book list looks like you're an avid Stephen King fan.


message 27: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I'm a huge Stephen King fan! He's my favorite! I don't understand what's with all of these remakes lately! It's like they can't come up with any new ideas, so let's destroy a great movie! Just because it's old doesn't mean it wasn't good! (Grumble, grumble....pet peeve of mine!) Logan's Run was a really good movie! I haven't read any of the books....this is my first time hearing that there were books. I just might have to check at least one out for curiosity purposes. :)


message 28: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments I love Stephen King too, I read Duma Key and Lisey's Story not too long ago as part of my 'challenge'. I'm on 21/25 so I'm on target (I have until December). I'm going to read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card next, a book that i've been meaning to read but never got around to, we all have those. As for remakes, I feel the same, if there's a great original why mess with it!


message 29: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Exactly, Jason! Why mess with it if it ain't broke! Didn't someone say that or something like it? lol. I enjoyed Ender's Game alot! Then I highly recommend you reading Ender's Shadow after that. It's written from the perspective of a different kid, so it rounds out the main story pretty well! :)


message 30: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Challenge complete! I set an achievable goal and thought I'd see how i got on. I'm going to continue, of course, and see how many I achieve by the end of the year. 25 and beyond!


message 31: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Congrats, Jason! Now onto the next 25.....or however many! :)


message 32: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Thanks Kathy, i've started studying again and so i'll be reading less for the next few months which is a shame. How are you getting on with your challenge?


message 33: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I'm almost done with my goal for the year, so I'm really happy. I've been dealing with some nasty migraines lately, so unfortunately my reading has slowed down. Plus, it doesn't help that The Passage seems to be taking awhile. I am loving it, but sometimes some books you just can't go too fast! What are you studying?


message 34: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments I hope your migraines get better and you're able to read more again soon. As for study, nothing too exciting financial services qualification I need her in NZ. Yawn, i'd prefer to be reading something more exciting! Thought I'd try some hard scifi for my latest, Feersum Enjinn by Iain M. Banks, are you a fan?


message 35: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I've never read Iain M. Banks. He's scifi? For some reason I thought he was mystery/thrillers. Interesting. Do you recommend him? I'm always up for any recommendations!


message 36: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Yes, but hard sci-fi not normally my kind of book, something i'm trying on for size. I enjoyed Feersum Enjinn. If you're willing to try something new i'd give him a go. Hope you're well, Jason.


message 37: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Yes, but hard sci-fi not normally my kind of book, something i'm trying on for size. I enjoyed Feersum Enjinn. If you're willing to try something new i'd give him a go. Hope you're well, Jason.


message 38: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I will definitely give him a try. Feersum Enjinn, is it? Interesting. I'll add it to my TBR...it's going to crash down on my head soon. lol. I'm good, thanks. How are you liking The Princess Bride? I've been dying to read that, but something always comes up.


message 39: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Yes, Feersum Enjinn. Know what you mean, my to-read list just grows and grows. Really enjoyed The Princess Bride (finished this evening) I've always had a soft spot for the film and so I thought I'd make a point of finally reading the book.

Really enjoyed Altered Carbon too! More hard sci-fi - i'm getting a taste for it. Now onto the Stepford Wives for a change. I always thought the 70's film was cool, didn't even bother with the remake.

How are your migraines? Hope you're well, Jason.


message 40: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) I'm doing much better, thanks. Finally fought back the migraines. Yay! :) I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy!

I haven't read The Stepford Wives yet, but I loved Rosemary's Baby! Ira Levin is really good! Most remakes are not worth the time and effort! I don't understand why they have to remake everything! Grumble grumble! (A bit of a pet peeve of mine! lol)

I'm working on The Stand, for the 3rd time! I love it! I definitely want to read The Princess Bride, myself. I love the movie!


message 41: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Glad that you're feeling better :)

I really enjoyed The Stand, just once for me so far.

I've read some books that my kids have been reading recently so we can talk about them. My daughter is a fan of Artemis Fowl and my son likes Percy Jackson. It went well so i've added a couple more titles to my list. Is it October already? Must add a few 'horrors' to my list, any suggestions?


message 42: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) The Percy Jackson books are great! I loved them. I tried getting my son into them, but he's more into graphic novels and this point. Oh, well. lol


message 43: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Hi Kathy, how are things, what are you reading at the moment?

Two of my kids love Percy Jackson and so I thought i'd give it a shot. As soon as one of us finishes it's passed on so we're all reading the same book at roughly the same time. It gives us something to talk about!

I'm now reading Artemis Fowl - The Arctic Incident, my younger daughter is enjoying this one and so we're competing with each other to see who can finish it first!

It's now October, any horror recommendations?


message 44: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Hey Kathy, how are you? Hope you have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.

My thoughts are turning to my 2011 book challenge.

All the best Jason.


message 45: by Kathy (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Hey, Jason. How are you? I'm ok. I've been sick, but finally out of the hospital doing better. Yeah, I'm already thinking about 2011 as well. In some ways I did really well and succeeded w/ my 2010 challenge, but in some things I failed. :( Hopefully next year I'll do better. What to read, what to read???

And thank you, Jason, I wish you and your family have a great Christmas and New Year as well!

(P.S. I love the Percy Jackson books as well! It brings back my love of Greek Myths!)


message 46: by NeoRipley69 (new)

NeoRipley69 | 31 comments Great thanks, Christmas Day here in NZ, nice a warm. Sorry to hear you've been in hospital, but glad to hear you're now home. Hope you're feeling 100% very soon.

My main goal was to read more so I've succeeded. Goodreads has really helped me to keep the momentum. In what way to do you feel like you've succeeded / failed? Thanks for your best wishes and i'm looking forward to hearing about your 2011 challenge!


message 47: by Kathy (last edited Dec 25, 2010 05:37AM) (new)

Kathy (bookgoddess1969) Well, I succeeded in reading more books than I ever had in a year, but I failed in my variety. I wanted to read 5 non-fiction, but only read 2, reread 5 old faves, but only read 3, read 5 classics, but only read 3 and read 12 that have been on my TBR for ages but only read 3 or something like that. I guess I wouldn't say I failed, but I hope to get them done next year! It's so hard to plan ahead, ya know. You never know what you'll be in the mood for.


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