The 104 Book Challenge - 2011 discussion

#35 Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Second book in the Uglies trilogy. I liked it, will definitely read Specials. But it was kinda predictable in the basic plot line.

#36 Specials by Scott WesterfeldScott Westerfeld

The last book in the Uglies "trilogy" though I understand there are one or two companion novels. Pretty good, at first I was afraid that it was a recycle of Pretties, but it got more interesting later in the book.

#37 The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

This is a murder mystery/YA thriller set in the early years of the French Revolution. I liked the main character Yann Margoza, a Romany gypsy boy who was raised by Tetu, a gypsy dwarf who is an actor in Parisian theaters. The storyline was interesting. I liked it, but it isn't my favorite YA Revolution novel.

#38 Red Glove by Holly Black

The second book in the Curseworkers trilogy (after White Cat). The more I read these, the more I love the world Holly Black has created. I really enjoy reading these, and I'm excited for number 3!

On a side note, who else is SUPER EXCITED about "Inheritance" by Christopher Paolini being released on Nov. 8??

#39 The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma

This was a great read. It's Ozma's memoir about her and her father's reading streak, reading out loud every night for over 3000 days. I really recommend it for all parents, and/or bibliophiles, which definitely includes everyone in this group!!!
(and how much do you love that her name is Alice Ozma?? And its not fake, they are her real middle names. I wish my parents had been cool enough to name me Ozma.)

#40 The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai

This wasn't nearly as good as I wanted it to be. The basic premise is cool: A young boy who lives in a repressive home escapes to the library and goes on a impromptu road trip with the well meaning children's librarian. But it was very drawn out and meandering with little comprehensible meaning. Lucy the Librarian's so called "realizations" were boring and expected, and she never came across as anything other than dull and apathetic, even when supposedly freaking out. And the 10 year old little boy was not nearly as charming as I wanted, but I could handle that. Mostly, I just don't love Lucy.

#41 The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

I'm loving these books. I really liked all the Percy books, and these are even better in my opinion. This one followed Percy and two new friends he makes in the Roman camp. Now we have 6 of the 7 halfbloods for the prophecy.

I love the Greek vs. Roman thing, and I cannot wait for the next book now!

#41 The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Read it for English class. Not too bad, different than I expected.

#42 The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Classic. Love it.

#43 Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Sad this series is over, but I loved it.

#44 The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Beautiful drawings, interesting story. And the movie was a damn decent portrayal.

#45 Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

The story of 2 best friends and their 30+ years together. Not gonna lie, made me cry.

#46 Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Cute little junior high book.

So I didn't even make it halfway through. I guess working full time, going to school full time, being a single mom, and having time to read 104 books in a year was a little overambitious, huh?