Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Operation: Read 50 books in 2010 has officially commenced! I am super excited. I will try to read a variety of books from classics to fluffs to great literature and nonfiction!! Recommendations are appreciated!

1.Living Dead in Dallas

I don't know why but I am a bit obsessed with this series. It's easy reading but I like the underlying themes: small southern towns, vampire mystique, and gender (and species!) roles. I read the first book last year and will continue with the rest of the series.

2. Club Dead

I liked the introduction of Alcide in this book and Sookie taking on more a forefront. I also, surprisingly, am liking Eric more and more. Sookie can sure kick some you-know-what! The premise seemed a bit "out of the blue" but I went with it...

3.Vision in White

I've really enjoyed this nice romantic series. While every character gets her a man---the women are first and foremost independent and strong with their own unique flaws and passion.

4. Bed of Roses

Ditto from # 3....enjoying the series. And I started reading The Friday Night Knitting Club, which will take me MUCH longer to read so I prob won't post for a while....then, I am thinking about reading a great nonfiction book. We gotta keep it interesting!

The Friday Night Knitting Club

It took me 4-EVER to read this book!!! Put me behind a couple of weeks. I got into the book about half-way through and then a twist that I never saw coming developed....there are a couple of sequels to this book but I will not seek them out. Unless I find it for $1 at Half-Price Books like I did this one!

5. The Friday NIght Knitting Club (forgot to add!)

6. Sarah's Key

Really enjoyed this book! I find the Holocaust and WWII very interesting. THis was a very quick read (1 day) and I could not put the book down. It was a little rough getting used to the back and forth of 2 storylines but well worth it! I found myself going through many emotions reading this book and faced with one conclusion: I MUST GO TO PARIS!!

7.
Really interesting! Different writing but a fast read and I couldn't put it down. Kinda ended weird and felt too rushed---like there were some missing connections. But it did make me want to read Angela's Ashes. I think it is a must-read for educators and how screwed up our education system is. It also made me want to teach literature!

8.
I had to read this since it had my name in the title! Simple, simple read. Took me 2 days (reading while I was out of town and during the Olympics commercial breaks). Very syrupy and needed after the last two "emotional heavy" books. Everyone needs a little fluff now and again! But totally not what I was expecting from James Patterson!

9. Great book but very hard to read...very technical writing. You have to read this book in small doses as it is a very realistic tale of horrific happenings but also uplifting in examining Oscar's passion for saving "his Jews" and the length he went to in order to form "his list." This is a must-read for WWII history buffs and those interested in learning more about the Jewish

Tiffany wrote: "1.Living Dead in Dallas

I don't know why but I am a bit obsessed with this series. It's easy reading but I like the underlying themes: small southern towns, vampire mystique, and ..."

I just got the first book in this series from the library and started it tonight. I am really excited to read them. I've watched the HBO series, but I hear that the books do differ quite a bit after the first novel.

Kelly wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "1.Living Dead in Dallas

I don't know why but I am a bit obsessed with this series. It's easy reading but I like the underlying themes: small southern towns, vampire..."

The books differ but it is a book/TV translation that I enjoy for guilty pleasure! I can't find the 4th one at the moment but have the two after that. But I have to read the 4th before I start those...I'm a bit OCD when it comes to reading books in a series! I think you will def. enjoy it!

10.

Loved this! I needed a little bit of a break after Schindler's List and this brought back great memories of my London trip. Quindlin was able to capture in words to describe how it feels to travel/visit London in ways that I can only imagine. I love the quote near the beginning, how visiting London is more of a homecoming than a visit b/c we have been there so many times through the pages of a book.

11. [bookcoLoved this book!! I totally identified with main character and Sue Monk Kidd has done an excellent job of continuing women's lib literature! It makes me want to visit Sounth Carolina even though the island doesn't exist! i guess I kinda have been going through some parallel issues so a few weeks before this book, I started getting involved in more activites and challenging myself more. This book solidified and encouraged me to continue on MY journey.ver:The Mermaid Chair|6976]

11.The Mermaid Chair

12.
Loved it!! Funny, moving, touching and VERY emotional. Loved the figurative langauge and imagery of the writing. Use of narrator was genius. I will never forget this book and urge everyone to read it! I need a break from the Holocaust but I've already lined up two other books that take place during the Holocaust.

I chose this book last year for my book club - I loved it as well. Definitely one that is burned into my memory. It was such a moving story and told in a way different from anything else I have ever read.

I know what you mean about Holocaust books. I am reading "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" right now and it is also has WWII / Nazi themes in it. I can't seem to get away from that subject matter.

Kelly wrote: "I chose this book last year for my book club - I loved it as well. Definitely one that is burned into my memory. It was such a moving story and told in a way different from anything else I have e..."

How do you like "The Amazing Adventures..." ? Do you recommend it?

I am about half-way through it and I do really like it. It's not a page turner, but the characters are really wonderful. My husband read it last month and said it is one of the best books he ever read, so I have high hopes.

13.

Easy book to read although I enjoyed the movie so much more. And the endless debate over whether to read the book first or see the movie first continues.....

I guess watching the movie spoiled the psychological twist (which I loved by the way!) for the book. As I'm reading along in the book, I knew exactly what was happening and what would happen next (which isn't the same for all novel adaptations to the screen.) However, I can honestly say that the movie was a GREAT adaptation...probably better than what the book deserved!

14.
Easy book to read and of course it continues my Holocaust theme of 2010. This book was translated from the German langauge, which I think explains some of its "jerky" writing and jumping around. I think it would have made a better screenplay than novel. I also think the relationship between main 2 characters was contrived and rushed. I actually would want to give this 2.5 stars, but respect it for its totally different perspective and insight. And I HAVE TO GO TO PARIS!!!

15.

It was like she was inside of my mind, reading my thoughts! LOVE this author. Great change of pace for my goal and re-established the reason I am in this group in the first place!! All voracious readers must read this!!!

16.

Man, Walter's vocabulary is intense!!! It took me forever to get through this book but I wanted to read his views on all of the historical events he was able to report on. I think he had a lot of journalistic integrity but that he was a bit pompous as well. I prob would be too in that elevated position. The end was terrible as I really don't care about the procedure of behind the scenes production of a newscast and the "business" behind it all. 3/4 of the book was pretty interesting. Walter seemed to go back and forth with his decades of reporting in the newspapers and Tv medium. The last 1/4 of book was a constant stream of whatever he chose to discuss. It seemed that Walter didn't have his thoughts too organized for his memoirs...perhaps a better editor was needed---oh, wait----he prob edited it personally b/c who is going to go to Walter with constructive criticism????

17.

Pretty good easy read. Needed some more character development but in Sheldon fashion, plenty of twists and surprises!

18. A Tale of Two Cities
I enjoyed this book! I can't believe I never read it in high school or college! I enjoyed Dickens characters he painted in a canvas filled with drama, intrique, romance, history, treachery, and salvation. I was able to read some of novel in a bed and breakfast home that was built in 1889, so that added some inspiration! I am totally into classics now but must turn my attention to several smaller novels so that I can catch up to meet my quest to read 50! But I will return to the classics soon!

19.
I think that there must be much lost from the German to the English translation, for this is the second book I have read that was originally written in German and for the second time, I am only mildly pleased. While The Reader is a much better book than the previous, I never managed to like any of the characters very much. The relationships seemed forced and Michael is a whiny baby with no balls!!! The character I liked most was Hannah, one of the oppressors during the Holocaust. Perhaps this is the author's intent---for the reader to look at the period through different lenses and perspectives. A reader cannot help but sympathize with her. There is a great twist and you find out why the title of the book is The Reader. I am anxious to see the theatrical version. I believe the story would do better for a movie than a book.

20.
Well, I made it to 20!! Still not halfway there but I say 20 is a milestone! I will be reading some fairly easy and shorter books the rest of the summer so that I can hopefully catch up!

This is a very fast read! Easy to read, predictable, but characters are well-developed and you have a sense of who they really are. Definitely a great summer read when you need some "fluff."

21.Up High in the Trees: A Novel
Read this book very quickly....it was ok. I was very excited b/c it was about an autistic boy but I hated the way it moved and didn't care much for the characters. You could tell it was from an amateur author.

22.
Very enjoyable book with lots of twists and turns. I didn't get the last shocker until the reveal, which was on the next page! THis is def a better book with more intriquing than Grishman, et al. Stay with the first half of the book...it can be tidious but you are so captivated by the layers of writing and plot that you want to see what happens. The last half of the book is def worth the long read. I read this book in 3 days off and on. I don't know how the second and third books of this series will live up to the first. I am also saddened about the author passing away before he saw the effect of his books.

I am going to watch the Dutch? movie version...people say it is pretty good. Hollywood is making its own version (yeah?) with Daniel Craig, I don;t know how I feel about that...you know how Hollywood always ruins movie adaptations from books....

I am going to watch the Dutch? movie version...people say it is pretty good.

It's Swedish, actually. But I agree, it is pretty good. I've read the whole trilogy but I still haven't watched the two sequels.

Susanna wrote: "I am going to watch the Dutch? movie version...people say it is pretty good.

It's Swedish, actually. But I agree, it is pretty good. I've read the whole trilogy but I still haven't watched the t..."

I just saw the 2nd movie in Swedish (the Girl Who Played with Fire). I thought this movie was better than the first (although it may have been because there was a shorter time between my reading the book and seeing the movie. Can't wait until the third is released in the U.S.

23.

Another great book....surprised that it was almost as good as the first in the series. Larsson writes such intricate plots! There are technical aspects but they make sense as you read through the book. His characters continue to develop as the series progresses and "hooks" you! Can't wait to read the final installment although I will be a bit sad that I will have to leave the characters :(

24.
This book is about an adolescent girl that has a younger brother with autism. Very easy read and gives a different perspective than other books. It would be a great book for siblings of ASD kiddos to read and parents so that they know what the other child is feeling.

25.

I finally reached the half-way point!!!!! But guess what--the year is more than half-way over and with work starting back and going back to grad school for my Phd...I don't think I will make 50...but I will give it the good, ol' college try!

Loved this series!! I loved the first book, really liked the second and liked the third. The first was so original with the character of Lisbeth and the second mapped out more about her character. This one was all about the cover-up and exposing corrupt political figures and organizations--not exactly my cup of tea but I had to read it to see how it ended!

26.
I cannot express how greatly I enjoyed this book. I'm not jumping on the "what's hot now" bandwagon, either! I read this book in 4 days---I could have easily read it in 1 but I wanted it to last longer! I was so drawn into the book b/c I feel the same way about traveling as Gilbert does. The first part of the book was about her four months in Italy, which was extremely captavating as I am going there in a couple of years. But it was also emotional and heartbreaking b/c she was going thru a divorce and breaking up in another relationship. The second book was about India and spirtual awareness and awakening. Man, I really want to try meditation now! The third, Indonesia, was my least fav part of the book but still satisfying and interesting about Bali and its cultures. I can definitely see myself reading this book again---at different parts of my life. I guess I really identified with the author--even tho I have never been married----but we all face society's demands of marraige and children, what's important in life, finding religion, etc. I will be 30 in a year and a half and I think this book came in the nick of time!

27.
I read this "book" right after finishing Eat, Pray Love. It was a great companion piece. I found myself highlighting and rereading Quindlen's commentary. I think anyone can identify with her and I love her writing style. I am very impressed with her ability to write both fiction and nonfiction.

Tiffany wrote: "8.
I had to read this since it had my name in the title! Simple, simple read. Took me 2 days (reading while I was out of town and during the Olympics comme..."

Hi Tiffany, I've read this book and loved it.. it's a good romantic story..

Tiffany wrote: "2. Club Dead

I liked the introduction of Alcide in this book and Sookie taking on more a forefront. I also, surprisingly, am liking Eric more and more. Sookie can sure kick some yo..."

I've read the first 4 books of the series too.. and I like the series..

28. Tinkers
I'm still processing this book....LOTS of metaphors in this writing--almost to the point of exhaustion! THe language and writing style was different and unique. The author made nature come to live and breathe. The narrator changes constantly from son to father and author, offering different perspectives. It will take me awhile to digest this book. It might be a book that you need to read again to fully understand and appreciate---but the author did create some very interesting characters.

29.

Good, fast read. I enjoyed the book taking place in Washington DC but I enjoyed the first two books much more than this one. The Lost Symbol appeared to be contrived and more religious/spiritual and "far out there" than the others. Hollywood----PLEASE don't make a movie out of this one!! I couldn't stand to see Tom Hanks running around DC after a full-bodied tattoed guy and a friend missing an arm!!!

30. Savor the Moment
I really like this series. It was a GREAT diversion!!!! Going to grad school, work crap, etc----it was nice to have something really easy and in a fantasy world to read about :) This series would make a great Lifetime series. Everyone gets matched up but the characters are very relateable---can't wait for the last book due out in November!

31. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE by Nancy Eichman

-Women's Bible Study book: This was a GREAT 13 part book about how to keep all the parts of your life balanced----family, church, yourself, community, etc. It spoke to all members of the group. The author did a great job of appealing to all women---just not those married with children---but all!! I was able to attend all sessions but the last 4---I still read and studied the bible verses. It was a nice way for me to read in the Bible and was a very cool thing to do over the summer. I also learned a lot (some good-some bad) about the ladies from church. Their personalities come out in "true colors" more so than just attending church! It was really funny :)


Don't think I will make the 50 this year----working full time and taking 9 doctoral hours is really kicking my butt!! I have to read so much for my classes that I have no time leftover for "pleasure reading." I will try my best but won't be upset if I don't make it cause I know its all about personal goals and I did challenge myself and that is what actually counts!!

32.
This book helps explain the reason why America's scores on achievement tests suck when compared to other nations. Hirsch is a pretty cool guy---has a great sense of humor!! I enjoyed all of the chapters except Chapter 5---which I am about to read again! Hirsch's view is that progressive education----discovery learning, teaching the "whole child," project-based learning has been around for almost a century and is the cause of the downfall of our education system. Why do we do this and not practice what the research says is best----direct instruction---learning of basic facts and a mixture of the two (progressive) is best because we have to know about basic facts in order to expand our knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
Hirsch is a bit extremist in some aspects (he wants a national curriculum) but makes many valid points. Educators should read Chp 6 where he discusses the need for standardized tests. What is coool about Hirsch is that he is not a politician, some guy in an ivory tower, or a psychologist. He is simply (!) an educator that wrote this in the 90s and I'm sure has had many criticisms from his peers. Rock on, Hirsch---you are hardCORE!!!! (Hirsch developed the schools called Core Knowledge).

33. Guess what !!! Another book that I read for one of my graduate courses!! It's a great class and I learned SO MUCH from this book about language programming for children with ASD.
Great, easy to read book about beginning a language program to children with ASD. I highly recommend parents to read this as well because you also play a vital role in increasing and teaching language skills to your children. There are thousands of opportunities for you to teacher your child. Please do not solely rely on teachers or therapist. A child with autism has to learn everywhere school, home, therapy, out in public, etc. in order to gain needed skills. This book is also great for students in college, teachers, and practitioners. The technical jargon is limited and explains, If you still don't understand terms, you can get a general behavior analysis book to help you out with definitions.

I officially started this Goal of Reading 50 books in a year on January 23, 2010. So I will officially end the year on January 23, 2011. Good thing b/c there was NO WAY I could be finished by Dec. 31, 2010 with my work and going back to grad school for my PhD schedule!!!! Now, I can relax and de-stress a little!!!!

Tiffany wrote: "33. Guess what !!! Another book that I read for one of my graduate courses!! It's a great class and I learned..."

What are you going to grad school for? I'm a school psychologist, with an interest in Autism so I will definitely be checking this book out. Thanks for the recommendation??

Lindsey wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "33. Guess what !!! Another book that I read for one of my graduate courses!! It's a great cla..."

Sorry I just got your message!! Been a little busy!!! I have a Masters in School/Behavioral Psychology and am going to get my PhD in the same area with an emphasis on ASD at SFA in Texas. The program is brand new this semester. If you are at all interested in ABA and naturalistic learning it would definitely be a book for you. Very easy to understand without all the terminology.

34.
Had to read this for a class, of course!!! I really enjoyed the way the authors presented the instruction. It was not dry and the reading went by quickly and made sense! They are very data driven and scientifically based. Only read this if you are a curriculum person or interested in adopting a new curricula in your school

35.

Great resource when you need a quick reference for specific topics on autism and effective practices in the school setting. Not for a novice; would help if you had some background knowledge with technical terms, etc. Will definitely keep for future reference.