Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Hi Rebecca,

You have one list of TBR there, 1070 books?? and I was worried about my TBR getting larger everyday :) I have looked through it as much as possible and it looks like what we read and liked are pretty similar so with the help of that, here is your list and let me know if you don't come up with something you like...

A. Out with the Old
1. Pile’s O’Books – American Gods by Neil Gaiman - I haven't read this but it is also in my TBR and I have seen you have enjoyed some other Gaiman books and this one is fairly big.
2. Mt. TBR – A Calculated Seduction
3. Steadily gaining – The Undead Next Door - Kerrelyn Sparks - I have noticed you read the first 2-3 books so you might enjoy this one as well.

B. In With the New
1. Cresting the Rise – Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - I have read this series and will read the next book, I see you have enjoyed similar kinds so might be interested in.
2. Reaching the Summit – One Day by David Nicholls
3. Its All Downhill from Here – By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho - I love his books and although everyone shows The Alchemist one of his favourites I prefer this one.

C. Go It Alone or With Someone
You Slay Me or Fantasy Lover IF you prefer reading one of those, I can go along with you, I always like buddy reads, always enjoy discussing the books with someone.

For aleksandra:

Everything but one is off of your TBR shelf, so I hope you can find something! If not, let me know & I'll pick again :D

Out with the Old
1. The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory - This one is pretty hefty, but interesting! It looks like you enjoyed the other Gregory book you read, and you own it so maybe it's time to take it off your TBR! ;)
2. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella - a short but fun story!
3. The Host by Stephenie Meyer - This is a great book, sci-fi & VERY different from the Twilight series so don't think of it when you read this. Totally worth the time!

In With the New
1. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - Love this book. Her writing is like prose & the story is so beautiful.
2. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - I just finished this series & it's one of the best contemporary romance series I've ever read! Fantastically written, the characters are amazing, & I loved the dialogue.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - hop on the HG train! It's so worth it. This series is fast paced, very well written, & highly addictive!

Go It Alone or With Someone
1. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I love this series! I recommend this to everyone & anyone I can. I'd totally read it again with you if you choose this one.
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - I haven't read this one yet, but I'm hoping to this month & so I'd read it with you for sure, I've heard good things.



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LethalLovely thanks for the great recs! I'll definitely read & then I might try - I'll let you know if I do. I'd also love to read other releases with you this month - I know I for one am SUPER excited about , can't wait to read about Aiden! & I love book chat :D

Thanks Tugce, Great picks would you like me to pick for you too or is one set of picks enough? :)

Allison wrote: "For aleksandra:

Everything but one is off of your TBR shelf, so I hope you can find something! If not, let me know & I'll pick again :D

Out with the Old
1. The Boleyn Inheritance ..."

Oh my. ^^ These recs are amazing, I seriously don't know which one to pick. I think I will try to get through everyone except for: The Hunger Games & Uglies (it's not available yet in my country and i've searched through every bookstore and library - it's a small country) and I need to get some courage to start on VA, I think I'm prejudice against vampire books because of Twilight, which is wrong. XD
Thank you, I love the picks!

Aleksandra, Vampire Academy is NOTHING like Twilight, I promise!!! They both involve vampires...but that's where the similarities end. It has a strong heroine, GREAT love interests, lots & lots of action, & plot twists everywhere! Mead writes with an intensity that makes it difficult not to feel what her characters are feeling, so it helps you get into the book that much more. I hope you enjoy your reading this month! :D

You're very welcome, Allison! I hope you end up loving The Adoration of Jenna Fox as much as I did! I'd also love to read other releases with you this month. I don't know if I'm going to get to Dreams of a Dark Warrior this month since I haven't read Demon from the Dark yet but I have these on my TBR shelf:

@LethalLovely - I can't wiat for Iron Crowned & This Side of the Grave! Such fantastic series. I have DM as a traveling ARC right now & I'm so excited to start it! I'll definitely read Nightshade with you, just let me know when you start it so we can chat about it. :)

Coffeentea wrote: "Yz, I really enjoyed browsing through your book shelves. It’s fun to see such a large and varied selection. I hope you’ll find something here you’ll enjoy reading. If not, let me know and I’ll p..."

Great recommendations. I've added the new ones to my TBR shelf.

I think I'll go for Atlantis Unleashed, and read Justice's story. Also, if you like, I wouldn't mind doing a buddy read for Sins of the Heart. Let me know if you are interested.

Yz, I would definitely like to read Sins of the Heart with you. Let me know when you want to start.

Coffeentea wrote: "Yz, I would definitely like to read Sins of the Heart with you. Let me know when you want to start."

Great. I'll send you a pm.

Rebecca wrote: "Thanks Tugce, Great picks would you like me to pick for you too or is one set of picks enough? :)"

I am happy you enjoyed your picks :) well, yes please pick for me. I didn't receive my picks yet and if i do today there is never a harm in reading an extra one ;) thanks...

Juana wrote: "AlbertaJenn here is your list I hope you enjoy it:

A. Out with the old
1. Pile'O Books: Forbidden by Jo Beverley
2.Mt. TBR: Chalice of Roses by Jo Beverley
3.Steady Gaining:The Spy Wore Silk ..."

I think I will go with Chalice of Roses for my Pick this month. Thanks!

i can't wait to get my list I'm #6 :)

Ari wrote: "Hi Regina!

A. Out with the Old
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Looks like you read through them all, why not finish up the series this month?
2. Mt. TBR
[book:Fated - A ..."


Hi Ari!

Thanks for the Recs!

This month I`ll read Loose Ends - I love to know new authors and liked the blurb of this book!

I´ll also try to finish Harry Potter´s.

Still no recs.
Anyone out there without recs? Maybe we can pick for each other?

Today Dee will take all the people without pics and resort. And if by tomorrow you don't have pics still, we'll work something out.

Sandy wrote: "Still no recs.
Anyone out there without recs? Maybe we can pick for each other?"

Sandy,

Each person has until today at 8pm to post recommendations. If by that time you haven't received them (sadly some people sign up and then forget), Dee will assign you a new person to make picks for you. There are a bunch of volunteers available (I'm one of them) so you won't have to wait longer than tomorrow for a set of recommendations.

Diane ~Firefly~,

Thank you for the recommendations. I'll read Hex Hall or Matched, or both if I have time.

As for Fire Study, I've always wanted to read it and finish the series but Magic Study disappointed me a bit, so I'm afraid this one will be even worse. :(

Well at least I am not the only one without the pics... I am here Sandy, if we are alone, still by 8pm then maybe we can pic for each other, if it will be ok for Dee ...

It's a deal Tugce Nida! I'll send you a friend request.

If anyone needs picks, and if you can wait till tomorrow morning (since I'm in Switzerland), I'm volunteering:-D

Miss --

I was going to read The Tea Rose but the library has it out until March 1st already! Soo... I will be reading Ain't She Sweet?.....

Hayley wrote: "Miss --

I was going to read The Tea Rose but the library has it out until March 1st already! Soo... I will be reading Ain't She Sweet?....."

Hayley, you are going to hate Sugar Beth for the first couple hundred pages. Just realize that she does get better.

Hayley wrote: "Miss --

I was going to read The Tea Rose but the library has it out until March 1st already! Soo... I will be reading Ain't She Sweet?....."

Oh, I am so so sorry, i've just finished reading it and it's so awesome! You must read it when you get the chance next month.
But this is ok for me because i also get to read another great book with you, Ain't She Sweet?.:)

Regina wrote: "Ari wrote: "Hi Regina!

A. Out with the Old
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Looks like you read through them all, why not finish up the series this month?
2. Mt. TBR
[boo..."


I hope the mystery is enjoyable.

Inga wrote: "It seems that my pickie is new and is not familiar with the process :) Erin sent me two books from my TBR she recommends. So, I kinda have recommendations but asked Erin to check this thread for ex..."

Sorry, Inga. I read the top part, not the different categories part. I will have your picks posted on here ASAP (like, within the hour). Would have done this sooner, but daughter's birthday has kept me busy! ;)

Hi Inga! Think I got it.

Ok, looks like some people picked one from each category, others picked all 3 from each category. I will do a combo. Let me know if these won't work for you, but they are some great books!

A. Out with the Old:
2. Mt. TBR - Blood Brothers
3. Steadily gaining - Naked in Death

B. In With the New
One book will take care of all three categories here - Outlander
An additional book series that is ongoing that I really love, should you choose to check it out (and it's not on your TBR list) is Moon Called

C. Go It Alone or With Someone
A Girl's Guide to Vampires or Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble

Hope I did it right this time! Enjoy!

Polina wrote: " Diane ~Firefly~,

Thank you for the recommendations. I'll read Hex Hall or Matched, or both if I have time.

As for Fire Study, always wanted to read it and finish the series but Magic Study disappointed me a bit, so I'm afraid this one will be even worse. :( "

I hope you enjoy whichever you choose.

As for Fire Study, I finished it today and if you were disappointed in Magic Study, then you're probably best off skipping this one.

ok - i've gone through all the lists - I have the following people with no recommendations:

Sandy
Tugce Nida
Julie (also provided no recs)
GiGi
Jane
Ari
Sara

Is there anyone else out there who didn't get any recs?

re-pairings are in comment 3 and here:

Tugce Nida Picks For Sandy
Sandy Picks For Tugce Nida
D.G. Picks For Julie
Rebecca Picks For Gigi
Luna Picks For Jane
Jane (PS) Picks ForAri
Fran Picks For Sara
Lethal Lovely Picks For Luna


if your original pairee comes back and gives you recomendations (I PM'd all of them) - you can choose if you want to read theirs or not. Thanks to all the volunteers for re-pairings

Tugce Nida, It was fun going through your shelves. We have quite a few books in common. I hope you find something you like on this list.

A. Out with the Old
1. Pile’s O’Books: – The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett is a doorstopper of a novel chock full of sex, violence, intrigue, corrupt clergy, romance and adventure. I loved it!
2. Mt. TBR: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. I have this on my TBR also. At 178 pages it shouldn't be hard to get this off your TBR pile.
3. Steadily gaining: East of Eden by John Steinbeck is one of all my all-time favorites.

B. In With the New
1. Cresting the Rise: I recently read and enjoyed the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas. These are historical romance and easy, sweet, fun reads. The first book is Secrets of a Summer Night
2. Reaching the Summit: I don't hand out 5 stars very often, but A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith really deserves the rating!
3. Its All Downhill from Here: I don't see Janet Evanovich on your TBR. The Stephanie Plum mysteries are funny and addictive. The first one is One for the Money. Why not check it out before the movie is released?

C. Go It Alone or With Someone
If you're intrested in a buddy read, maybe we could try Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.

Happy reading!

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Thanks for the re-pairings, Dee!

Jane
(Sorry I'm late - my kids have been sick for 3 days!)

A. Out with the Old - I don't have any picks here since you don't have a TBR pile.

B. In With the New
1. Cresting the Rise – Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I just read this and the sequel last month and really enjoyed them.
2. Reaching the Summit – Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning - this is a fantastic series.
3. Its All Downhill from Here – Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 'cause everyone needs a little Roarke :)
C. Go It Alone or With Someone
1. Wild Within by Mima (just looks interesting) or
2. Caught In The Act by Lori Foster (one of my favorite authors)

Hi Sara! I enjoyed going through your shelves- let me know if you need some different picks and I will go back for some more :)

Out with the old-
1. pile o'books- Lover Enshrined- keep going with this series! I love every one.
2. mt. tbr- One White Rose- you can also use this for author of the month- I really liked this one
3. steadily gaining- He Loves Lucy- a really fun, uplifting book with a great heroine

In with the new-

1. cresting rise- Halfway to the Grave- I've heard only great things about this series
2. reaching summit- The Road by Cormac McCarthy- an intense, amazing read. or Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern for something light and funny
3. it's all downhill from here-Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis- I noticed you haven't read anything by her- I love this book- sweet and romantic

Buddy Reads-
I am planning on reading Conversion by S.C. Stephens and Love Is Blind by Lynsay Sands if you want to read one of them with me.

Hi Ari - just to let you know - I'll have something to you within the hour! :)

Hey Luna!,

You don't have many books on your read or to-read shelves but I'm hoping I'll find something you'll like. If you don't see anything you're interested in, I'm more than happy to try again.

A. Out with the Old

1. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton~ This book doesn't come out until the 15th but it sounds very interesting & is the longest book on your shelf. A war between Archangels & "the Fallen", eh?
2. Earth Moves by Lacey Thorn~ I haven't read Thorn yet but a few of my friends have & have given her books high ratings.
3. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead~ I've really enjoyed this series so far. Mead was my first introduction to succubi in fiction & I was not disappointed.



B. In with the New

1. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole~IMO, this is a fantastic paranormal romance series. The heroes will make you drool, the heroines kick major ass & the sex is scorching.
2. Asmodeus by Dawn McClure~ This was one of my first reads of 2011 & I loved it. It involves demons & angels.
3. Enslave: The Taming of the Beast by Cathy Yardley~A super hot retelling of Beauty & the Beast. And the hero is Russian!



C. Go It Alone or With Someone

1. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
2. Stormwalker by Allyson James

Annabell wrote: "Erin ~

A. Out with the Old
1. The Search - I have not read this book, but love Nora Roberts.
2. Cloaked in Red - I also have not read this book, but it looked int..."


Thanks, Anabelle! Looks like I have my work cut out for me this month! I got these, the monthly reading challenge and the author of the month challenge! Hope I can even GET Wicked Appetite and Happily Ever After from the library. ;)
Excited to read these!

Ari

Wow - I haven't heard of half the authors on your lists, let alone read them, so this was really interesting. Hopefully I have been able to gauge your tastes enough to give a few good options! Here are my picks for you. :)

A: Out with the old: To Be Reads (TBR)
1. Pile 'o books (longer book): Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1,024 pages). This came from your first page of TBRs and what a whopper! I've seen the movie but not read the book...
2. Mt TBR (short book): Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern (p'back 192 pages). I've actually just finished this for the comic category of the Feb Mthly challenge. There are a lot of funny anecdotes and it's a great way to relax.
3. Steadily gaining (good book I enjoyed): Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning I read this last month and loved it. Great urban fantasy, and I notice you have a few of those on the shelves.

B: In with the new: all new books
1. Cresting the rise (great ongoing series): The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith or Naked in Death by J D Robb. I think these series are continuing - there are certainly enough books in both to keep you occupied for months! Smith's book is a really delightful read that imparts a intimate view of Africa from Precious Ramotwe's perspective. Also, I noticed you have read some Nora Roberts - I wasn't a huge fan of the few books I read of hers, but I really enjoy her In Death series. Good detective stories with a solid thread of romance.
2. Reaching the summit (recent 5 star read): Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh. This is urban fantasy/romance, but more urban fantasy in my opinion. I had previously read Singh's Psy series (which I love) but only read this book last month - I loved it and have bought the rest of the published series...
3. All downhill from here (new author/genre): The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I have a feeling you might enjoy this Australian author - hopefully you can access the book over there. It is set in Australia and the UK (Cornwall) spanning 5 generations of women and has some beautiful fairytales in it.

C. Go it alone or with someone: buddy read if possible
1. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare I bought this book over a year ago but haven't yet managed to open the front cover...
2. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. I read this over 20 years ago, but was thinking I should do a reread.
...These two aren't on your TBRs but I thought you might consider them (both historical):
3 a. The Foundling by Georgette Heyer. A book starting with "F" for the February monthly challenge... I love GHeyer and I noticed you had Arabella on your TBR - unfortunately I read that only a month or so ago :(
3 b. The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood. This is the February featured author. I'm open to read a different book of hers, if you are interested.

Unfortunately our TBRs didn't really coincide for reading the same book at the same time: we were either out of sync on the series, or I don't have the book available.

Hope one of these books suit, Ari. I'd be very happy to go again if these aren't available or don't match your mood. :)

Hi Sandy,

Thank you for your recs, you did a great job. I am thinking which one to read since the morning :) I want to read more than one but I think I already chose to read more than I can for Feb. anyway... I might go with One for Money or Secret of a Summer night or Night Pleasures if you want a buddy read. And for the rest I want to choose one of them but too longs are scared for me this month as I mentioned. And for Betty Smith I agree with you on that I have read that one when I was younger, mom recommended it for me, It wasn't in my read list because I didn't know the English name for it. I wasn't reading this many english books when I was younger, thanks to ebooks I stopped reading translations.
So here is your list and you are right, we have a lot in common both in readings and ratings so I had a few difficulties finding the ones I liked and you haven't read, hope you can find something to enjoy...

A. Out with the Old
1. The Passage - I haven't read this one however I am planning to. Besides the reviews I have read, someone recommended it to me and gave a very detailed review of it to me, I can PM it to you if you are interested to see, that made me want to read it.
2. Number the Stars - I got this from you to-read list and usually like this kind of novels so its in my TBR now as well :)
The End of the Affair - this is something I read pretty long ago and enjoyed. I also watched the movie but as usual the book is a lot better.
3. Flowers for Algernon - This is very sad and also very well told story (of course in my opinion) I read a shortened version in high school in English Lit. then got the book to read the whole story. Also watched a theatre play of the book so yes basically I like the story.

B. In with the New
1. The Tea Rose - I haven't read it though it is in my to-read list. Read good reviews and a few recs from group friends in GR. The reason I chose this is simple, there is almost no other series in my list that is not in your list. :)
2. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept - I noticed you didn't like The Alchemist much. I love his writings and this one more than the Alchemist, maybe you might wanna give a second try. Besides I don't have many 5 stared books and this is the only one I had which wasn't in your lists.
3. First Comes Marriage - From your list I think you also like the historical fictions. This series is historical fiction but on the romance side. I love reading, the ton in London, season, parties and Mary Balogh's Huxtable series are fun to read and easy to imagine.

C. Go it alone or with someone
We can go with one of your recs for this section of try the The Graveyard Book which I am planning to read this month, if you are up for a buddy read and another on of the Gaiman's.

Julie! I'll have your recs in a moment! Let me just have breakfast (the gym kicked my butt this morning and I'm starving!)

Sara,

I am so sorry I did not get your rec's up on time. I am a RN in a 80 bed NICU and I have just come off a long stretch of 12 hour nights. I am not able to access Goodreads from work because our institution had blocked all things social and fun. So there is my sob story. Again I am so sorry! I saw that Fran was kind enough to post some rec's for you. I would be happy to post a list also, if you would like. Just let me know.

Cathy

Melissa wrote: "My picks for Cathy. I hope you like them.

Melissa,

Thanks for the rec's. I have requested 2 books from the library.

Crave by J R Ward
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Julie,

You have some of my favorite books in your TBR so it was a pleasure to pick for you. I hope you like these ones. :)

A. OUT WITH THE OLD
1. Pile’s O’Books - Outlander (850 pgs.) by Diana Gabaldon. This book would definitely break a bone if it falls on you but it's an amazing story. It's a mix of romance, historical fiction, fantasy and time travel. Jamie, the hero, is to die for.

2. Mt. TBR – Animal Farm by George Orwell (97 pgs.) This is one of my all time favorites. A political allegory using the animals in a farm, this book is wise, insightful and very funny.

3. Steadily gaining – Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. I discovered this series last year and fell in love with this world. You must read this one ASAP! :)

B. IN WITH THE NEW
1. Cresting the Rise – Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. Another great paranormal series and probably my favorite overall. It has touches of sci-fi (it's set in the future) but it doesn't feel that different and the world building is amazing.

2. Reaching the Summit – The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I recommended this one to Pollyanna as well...it's amazing book and I think everybody should read it.

3. Its All Downhill from Here – Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James. I didn't see any contemporary romance in your shelves so I thought you might like to give this one a try. It's by one of my favorite new authors, with a really smart heroine and a cocky hero that gets what's coming to him. :)

C. GO IT ALONE OR WITH SOMEONE
I'm planning to read both these books in February so please let me know if you'd like to read them with me.
1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Pollyanna and I are reading this one together, and I'm starting it tomorrow 2/4)
2. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (I see you have this one on your TBR...and I'm not sure when I'll start it so if you go for this one, let me know and we can coordinate.)

Tugce Nida wrote: "Hi Sandy,

Thank you for your recs, you did a great job. I am thinking which one to read since the morning :) I want to read more than one but I think I already chose to read more than I can for Fe..."

Tugce Nida, Thank you for the great recs!

Since you had already read my 5-star rec, I wanted to also tell you about The Secret History by Donna Tartt. It is set at an elite private school and involves mystery and murder. I couldn't put it down, and anyone I have passed it along to has loved it!

As for what I'll read, this is a hard decision. I really want to read The Passage, but it probably won't happen this month. I downloaded a sample of it onto my Nook and it was fabulous!

Since we have very similar tastes, I am going to trust you and go with your 5-star By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, Number the Stars, and The Graveyard Book since I can get them all at the library right now.

Thanks again for the recs. It will be a fun, busy month of reading for me, not to mention I am moving at the end of the month so I need to fit in packing into my schedule!

Tugce Nida wrote: " am happy you enjoyed your picks :) well, yes please pick for me. I didn't receive my picks yet and if i do today there is never a harm in reading an extra one ;) thanks... "

A. Out with the Old
1. Pile’s O’Books – The Pillars of the Earth This book is on my TBR list I havnt read it but hopefully will soon.
2. Mt. TBR – Breakfast at Tiffany's This novella was recommended to me but I have not read it or seen the film yet.
3. Steadily gaining – The Summoning I enjoyed this book. The plot was great, characters were great and I would reccomend this book to people who want a light fantasy read.

B. In With the New
1. Cresting the Rise – Blue Bloods I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day. It is a very classy and enjoyable read
2. Reaching the Summit – Halfway to the Grave This novel is an action packed page turner, which keeps the reader enthralled. I love the pace of this book, especially when it gathers speed towards it's exciting end.
3. Its All Downhill from Here – The Queen's Fool Beginning with the demise of Katheryn Parr and endng with the death of Queen Mary and the first years of Elizabeths reign, this book is a must have read, I loved it.

C. Go It Alone or With Someone
1.Evermore or 2.Uglies

Rebecca wrote: "Tugce Nida wrote: " am happy you enjoyed your picks :) well, yes please pick for me. I didn't receive my picks yet and if i do today there is never a harm in reading an extra one ;) thanks... "

..."

thank you Rebecca :) I had no recs until yesterday and now i have two ;) thanks to Dee she re-paired us but you made an effort for me so I will choose one from you andhopefully will finish all my books for Feb in this month :) the funny thing is Sandy and you both choose the same books in the first part :)

Regina wrote: "Hi, Amanda.

Hope you like my recs! We have so much books in common! Love to look at your shelves.

A. Out with the Old

1. Kushiel's Justice - never heard of this series - is it goo..." (I have enjoyed the ones I've read so far, but they are pretty long - it's kind of an alternative history type/fantasy series. They have a lot of political intrigue as well.)

Thanks for all the recs! I read Immortal Ops today and enjoyed it. I'll probably read several more of your recs before the month is over :)

Sandy wrote: "Tugce Nida wrote: "Hi Sandy,

Thank you for your recs, you did a great job. I am thinking which one to read since the morning :) I want to read more than one but I think I already chose to read mor..."

well looks like i will be reading the secret history :) and i have just realised it's long. ..
and for by the river piedra i sat and swept, i liked it but when u put it that way, it makes me nervous to rec :) hope u can at least find it worth 3stars iswhat i am gonna wish ;)

I hope you like The Secret History!

Sometimes one person's 5-star book is another person's 2-star book, but we have a lot in common as far as our reading tastes go so I'm sure I'll like your recommendations. :-)

Nation is available for me to pick up at the library! Woohoo! I'll be reading that one, Jim. :)