The Book Challenge discussion

I'm really excited to start this challenge! I looooove to read, and used to go through at least a book a week....but with nursing school and working fulltime I've put reading on hold. This challenge will motivate me to get back into that reading habit once again. Plus the challenge for me starts around my 24th birthday, so it will be fun to see if I can complete my goal by my 25th birthday:) So the challenge for me is going to be to read 50 books this year..............

good luck on getting back to fun reading Djulia! It can really be hard to fit in reading when you're working and reading for school, but if you can fit it in it's a great stress reliever.

1. ~The Last Anniversary~
Liane Moriarty

Yea!!! So I just finished the first book in my challenge and I loved it! I really suggest it for anyone who loves a good chic lit book! The characters are so charming (especially Sophie) and I found myself hoping and wishing for the best for all of them. A surprise twist in the end! I'm excited to start my next book..........

2.~Something Borrowed~
Emily Giffin


Loved loved loved this book!!! It was so cute! It really makes you look at both sides of the story when cheating occurs in a relationship. It was a fun read and I was cheering for Rachel and Dex's relationship the whole way!!! Now the choice of what to read next....another chic lit or maybe a drama...hmmmmmmm............

3.~Twilight~
Stephenie Meyer

Okay, so this book is actually a re-read, but still counts on my challenge:) I really love this book and love to go back a re-read favorite scenes from it from time to time. I've re-read this book for two reasons......1) the movie (yea!!!!) is almost being released and I looooooove to re-read books that are being made into movies right before I see them so the book is still fresh in my mind...and 2) even though I own all four books of the saga, I have yet to read past Twilight, so now I'm finally attempting to make it through the books. I'm looking forward to New Moon.......(And to all who have not read Twilight...do it!!!! It's a great book and I too was skeptical about the whole teen/vampire genre of it, but I'm so glad I got passed that coz now I have another favorite book series)

4.~New Moon~
Stephenie Meyer

So I'm going to admit this right now. If a book is really good I'm AWFUL at skimming ahead and seeing what the outcome of the book is the moment it starts to get good. When I first started to read New Moon awhile back I saw how Edward leaves Bella and I stopped reading and went on to other books since I ADORED the character Edward and wasn't interested in reading a book without him in it. But after I started to read New Moon this time, I enjoyed the book happily more than I though I would. I've heard alot of people didn't like New Moon, but I loved it. I can finally understand now why there is such devoted fans for Jacob. The story was never dull, never boring, and even though I wouldn't say it was better than Twilight, I loved it for it's own! I'm going to have to take a break from the series for a week or so..so I can catch up on some much needed homework and studying I've been putting off for the series, but I just have to say I really am getting into this amazing book series!!!

5. ~Eclipse~
Stephenie Meyer

I'm going to be very excited to finally get through this book series so I can get to reading others books again....lol! Seriously this was a great book overall. Not my favorite of the series so far, but still an exciting read! I think Bella got selfish and greedy about Jacob in this book however...definitely not my favorite parts of Bella's character, but Edward was just as charming as always:) Here's to hoping the series ends well with "Breaking Dawn"......

6. ~The Classic Ten: The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites~
Nancy MacDonell Smith

This was an interesting book about why certain female fashion styles are staples in a women's closest. It goes into detail about the history of The Little Black Dress, Pearls, High Heels, and other fashion iconic items. Each chapter goes into detail about the history of the item and how it was made famous. If you love fashion, you will definitely find the this book entertaining and interesting! It was a nice break rom all the drama (as great as it is,lol!) of the Twilight series.........

7. ~52 Fights: A Newlywed's Confessions~
Jennifer Jeanne Patterson

This is the perfect book describing the reality of married life, especially that first year of newlywed "bliss" ;) She describes perfectly about fights that are due to arise, feelings you may have towards your spouse, and any feelings of insercurity. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in many problems and feelings I had in my first year of marriage. Some of those chapters felt like they came from my own marriage. I strongly suggest this book to any newlywed couple! We are not alone wifeys;)

8.~The Tales of Beedle the Bard~
J.K Rowling


Wow, so it's been awhile since I've done any reading toward my challenge (ahhh the life of school, work, and husband..lol!) but luckily I'm in my last week of school before Christmas Break so hopefully I can get some reading back into my life.....especially since I've joined paperbackswap and love it! I've recieved already a couple great books from readers like me and have been able to give away some good books that I just know others would love too but that I have no intention of re-reading in the future....but anyways, back to Tales of Beedle.....cute cute book! It was interesting to read tales that would of been around in Harry Potter's world and reading this (unfortunately too short) book made me realize just how much I miss the Harry Potter series. Like I mentioned above, my only complaint is that I wish there were more stories in the book...I can't wait to see what new material J.K will come out with in the future...I miss her writing!!!!!

9. ~Cocktails for Three~
Madeleine Wickham

This was a cute story! I was a little doubtful about starting this book since I've read some reviews that didn't have much to say about this book (which goes to prove you shouldn't take too strongly into account what others think about a book before you read it yourself), but it turned out to be good! Maybe not a page turner, but a good chic lit read! You don't get too much into depth with the character's lives in my opinion, but you know just enough to at least keep the story moving a solid direction. If you like the author's Shopaholic Series, this book will also be of interest to you. Now....I REALLY need to pick up the pace and make more time for reading.........

10. ~Three Wishes~
Liane Moriarty

Another great book by one of my favorite authors! She has this way of pulling you into the lives of these characters, and making you feel for their lives. "Three Wishes" is a charming story of three 33 year old triplets and what happens to each one of them during the course of roughly a year. Each one is going through some very heartbreaking events, and throughout the course of the story must lean on the other sisters to make it through. A great story about the amazing bonds of sisters! So now I'm officially 1/5th of the way through my challenge.......lets hope I can keep this reading pace up from now on..........

11. ~So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading~
Sara Nelson

This book came at the perfect time! It was an insightful book about the author's goal of recording what books she read for a year, why she read those books, and how those books impacted her life. Although most of the books the author mentions I have no interest in reading, it was fun to look at the life of another "book junkie". What a perfect way to start out the year!

12. ~Alphabet Weekends: Love On the Road From A to Z~
Elizabeth Noble


This is one of my new favorite books! The character of Tom reminds me a lot of my best guy friend from when I was a teen. Such a cute story about a guy trying to convince his best friend Natalie he is the perfect guy for her. There are also other storylines that are woven into Tom and Natalie's tale of finding love. A great story about finding the love that was always right under your nose....loved it!!! Reminded me alot of Liane Moriarty's books.......

13. ~Something Blue~
Emily Giffin


Loved this story! It's great to see Darcy's point of view of what happened in "Something Borrowed" and picks off where Darcy catches Dex with her best freind Rachel! I hated her character in the beginning of the book since she was so spoiled and manipultive, but I loved how she developes into a better person and finds love and happiness and even peace with Rachel once again. It wasn't as good as "Something Borrowed" but I think that's just mainly since I could relate more to Rachel's character than to Darcy..but still....GREAT book overall!

14. ~The Glass Castle~
Jeannette Walls


Hearbreaking and beautiful, Jeannette Walls tells the inspiring story of growing up with free-spirited (and at most times) very self-centered parents who threw aside there children's need to follow there own unique way of life, most of the time endangering their children's life and stealing them away from their childhood. The story is sad, but how the author grow's and learns for her childhood experiences is truely remarkable and I give her all the credit in the world for making something of her life....LOVED THIS MEMOIR!!!!!

Dawn wrote: "14. ~The Glass Castle~
Jeannette Walls

I read this in 2006 but am now listening to it on CD since it's the pick for one of my book clubs this month. Definitely heartbreaking!

alisonwonderland wrote: "Dawn wrote: "14. ~The Glass Castle~
Jeannette Walls

I read this in 2006 but am now listening to it on CD since it's the pick for one of my book clubs this month. Definitely heartbreaking!"

Most definitely heartbreaking! It made me very grateful for the life my parents provided for me growing up!

15. ~Shopaholic and Sister~
Sophie Kinsella

I loved the first three books of the Shopaholic series, and it's one of my favorite series overall (I can relate too much to Rebecca Bloomwood's shopping addiction!!!!), but this book of the series started off great, and kinda dragged towards the middle. I found it hard at times to get through, but my loyalty to the book series helped me through. Don't get me wrong.....it was a cute book.....but my least favorite of the series.....hoping Shopaholic and Baby ends up the series well!!! (And PS....I can't WAIT for the movie next month!).........

16. ~Forever~
Judy Blume


This book really too me back to my teenage days of first love and the first time getting serious with a boyfriend! "Forever" was brutally honest and to the point on the details of making that transition from child to loosing the innocence of it all. It's a teenage love story through and through, with the modern take on making the decision to take it to the next level and dealing with the issues that arise from choosing to have sex after. Judy Blume is one of my favorite authors of my childhood, and apparently this book has been been around for a long time, so I was happy to reconnect with a childhood writer!

17. ~The Reading Group~
Elizabeth Noble


Elizabeth Noble is one of my new favorite authors! This book takes a look at 5 women who are in a reading group, what books they read, and more importantly what goes on in each one of their lives during the course of the year. What I love about Elizabeth Noble is her ability to capture the reality of a person's life and how not everything is picture perfect in any given person's life. This book also introduced me to some books I want to add to my TBR pile:)

i've added The Reading Group to my to-read list. thanks for the review!

You're Welcome! It's a great book! If you enjoy it try Alphabet Weekends which is also by Elizabeth Noble.

18. ~Nearlyweds~
Beth Kendrick


This was a quick and fun read! I read this book in one night! A story about 3 women who are newlyweds and find themselves questioning if marriage was the right choice for them when they find themselves having issues in each one of their marriages. Then they discover the pastor who married them all in the same weekend has died, and forgot to file the paperwork making them all not legally married to their spouses. With the chance to break free from their problem filled marriages, each women must decide if they are going to stay or go. Hilarious take on the hardships of the first year of marriage, and the chance to start over.......very fun and very speedy read!

19.~The Secret Life of Bees~
Sue Monk Kidd


I loved this book! I really felt like I was transported to that time era and place. Sue Monk Kidd does an amazing job at vividly writing, making the characters so real to you. Can't wait to see the movie version of this when it comes out on DVD!!!!

Dawn wrote: "19.~The Secret Life of Bees~
Sue Monk Kidd

this is one of my all-time favorite books! i'm looking forward to the DVD too.

alisonwonderland wrote: "Dawn wrote: "19.~The Secret Life of Bees~
Sue Monk Kidd

this is one of my all-time favorite books! i'm looking forward to the DVD too.

I Loved the DVD!!! My husband bought it for me for Valentines Day. Definitely not as good as the book, but still a good movie and I was impressed.
"

alisonwonderland wrote: "Dawn wrote: "19.~The Secret Life of Bees~
Sue Monk Kidd


"

20. ~PS. I Love You~
Cecelia Ahern


I loved this book! This is one of those rare books where I saw the movie first (which I thought was good.....) and then read the book (which I loved so much more than the movie)! I was crying by the first 30 pages, and was sobbing by the time Holly opened the last letter. I suggest this book to all romantics....you will love it!!!!

21. ~Shopaholic and Baby~
Sophie Kinsella


This book was cute! I love the Sopaholic series, and was excited yet sad to wrap up reading this series. I hope the author adds more books to the series...espeially since this book ended with me wanting to know more about what happens to Rebecca, Luke, and their new baby Minnie......the author left me feeling like the ending was just hanging...so I'm hoping and wishing it's an sign of more Shopaholic books to come!!!! (And fans of the series should check out the movie...it's cute!)

22. ~Briar Rose~
Jane Yolen


A haunting look into one of mankinds darkest times.....The Holocaust. The author takes the story of Sleeping Beauty and weaves it into the story of one woman's survival from Poland during World War II and her grandaughter, who promises to solve the mystery behind her granmother's past. My complaints of this book was it felt jumpy and rushed, and the dialogue was somewhat childish at times, but the subject and story of this book will stay with you long after you are finished with the book.

23. ~Fashionably Late~
Beth Kendrick


I don't know what it is about Beth Kendrick's books, but I can breeze through one within just an afternoon. She has an easy going writing style and you are always drawn into each of her charcaters lives. That said, Fashionably Late combined two things I love......a chance to start over and FASHION!!! I fell in love with the charcater of Becca because I could relate to so much of her story as my own. This book is definitely going on my Favorite Reads list:)

24. ~When It Happens~
Susane Colasanti



When It Happens made me miss high school! This book captures the raw emotions of first loves, senior year, and trying to fit in perfectly. The story is told in alternating points of view between Sara and Tobey. Sara has two main goals, to get into NYU and get away from her small town and distant mother, and to fall in love. Tobey, a self described slacker, wants to win Battle of the Bands, and win over Sara's heart. I could relate to the character of Sara so much, and it made me think and re-discover my own hopes and dreams I had when I was in my last days of high school. Anyone who misses high school and the simplicity of it all will love this book!

25. ~Tales of a Female Nomad~
Rita Golden Gelman


Halfway to my goal of 50 books:)........Tales of a Femaled Nomad is a book about what I've always dreamt of doing, but am sure I will never have the courage or means of accomplishing.....dropping everything to travel around the world. Rita Golden Gelman doesn't stay in five star hotels or luxurious resorts, bit chooses to live with the actual people of the country she is visiting and stays long enough to learn about that country's culture and to meet people who will impact her life. I loved hearing about all the places she traveled to, but my favorite parts of the book was when she met people that changed her life. Rita's choice of lifestyle is truely remarkable, and her approach to life and people is beautiful. I suggest this book to everyone!!!!

26. ~Firefly Lane~
Kristin Hannah


What can I say??? I LOVED this book! I had to save the ending to read at home since I was silently crying during the last half of the book. An amazing story of two best friends and three decades of their lives together. Katie is the practical, reliable one who comes from a loving family. Tully is headstrong and popular, but has to deal with her mother abandoning her. Katie and Tully support each other through everything in life, and are there for each other until the very end...........A beautiful look at one of those rare kinds of friendships.

Dawn wrote: "22. ~Briar Rose~
Jane Yolen

In my oppinion Jane Yolen is an amazing writer but she does write primarily for children so even when she writes for adults, it's hard for her to step out of that mind frame

27. ~Remember Me~
Sophie Kinsella


another cute story by Sophie Kinsella! I really got into the story after Lexie discovers what her life is really like and when she finds out about Jon. A good story that shows you that sometimes the perfect life isn't always so perfect, and you always have to be honest with who you are.....I have yet to read a book that Sophie Kinsella lets me down:)

Heather wrote: "Dawn wrote: "22. ~Briar Rose~
Jane Yolen

In my oppinion Jane Yolen is an amazing writer but she does write primarily for children so even when she writes for adults, it's hard for her to step o..."


Yeah...don't get me wrong I enjoyed the story and it gave a fresh insight into the Holocaust, there was only a couple parts of the story that seemed to be jumpy or didn't flow well into the story for me

28.~She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall~
Misty Bernall


This was an amazing book about Cassie Bernall, one of the student victims of the Columbine shootings. She was shot when one of the gunmans asked if she believed in God, when answering yes she was killed. This is not just a story about a girl whose faith was strong, even in the very end, but of a teen and her troubled past and what led her to become the courageous young women she was. What I loved about this book was that Cassie was far from the perfect teen the media brought her out to be, but had her faults like everyone else and struggled with peer pressure and doubt everyday, and how she rose above it. Her mother wrote the book, and she did it in a way that was truthful. She was honest about Cassie's troubled past, honest about the choices the family made, and honest about how Cassie struggled with letting go of the past, but in the end held on to her beliefs and faith. This book made me take a look at my life and see how maybe I could be more like Cassie and her relationship with God. Cassie Bernall is not just a hero, but an inspiration.

29. ~The Next Thing on My List~
Jill Smolinksi


Eh, this book was just okay. Halfway through the book I started skimming over pages. The plot is promising....main character June offers to drive a young women she has just met at a meeting home, gets into a car accident, young women gets killed, and later on discovers in the wreck women's list "20 things to do before I turn 25" and decides to complete the list in honor of the dead woman. Unfortunately the chracters, storyline, and dialogue was dull dull DULL!!! The last four chapters salvage the book somewhat, but I was VERY disappointed in this book overall........

30.~Bridge to Terabithia~
Katherine Paterson


The last time I read this book was in the 4th grade. My favorite teacher Ms. Holten lent it to me, and I've been in love with it ever since! The book is a beautiful story of Jess and Leslie and their unique friendship they shared. It's a simple book, but one that stays with you long after the story is done. The movie is surprisingly good, and does an amazing job at bringing the story alive.

31.~Marley and Me~
John Grogan


I'm the kind of person who has to read the book before I see the movie. With that said, I highly doubt I would of picked up Marley and Me if I didn't see previews for the movie and wanted to see it.... I am so glad I gave this book a chance! Marely and Me is a true story that draws you in within the first chapter. I think what was so moving to me in the story was that the book starts off with John and Jenny in the beginning of their marriage, those happy newlywed days when they first get Marley as a puupy, to over a decade later when they have kids and Marely is older. THe story made me excited for what married life has in store for us down the road. Warning...be prepared to cry towards the end of the book!!!! You don't need to be a dog lover to enjoy this book!

32.~Breaking Dawn~
Stephenie Meyer~


Finally! Done! The beginning of the book took me awhile to get into, but after the first couple chapters I was sucked in again!!! It's bittersweet....I'm excited to be finished reading the series, but I loved Twilight so much it's sad to accept that this is it...no more Bella and Edward:) The book was long, but good! Part of the way through Jacob has a big part of the book where he tells his point of view with things, which is good because I think Bella's point of view during that part would of been difficult, Jacob had more to say during that time. All in all.....I loved the book!!!!

33. ~American Wife~
Curtis Sittenfeld


I loved this book! It was an interesting spin on a fictitious story based off of the life of Laura Bush. I know there is some controversy behind this book, but I personally thought it was beautifully told novel following the character Alice from a young girl in her hometown in rural Wisconsin to becoming first lady of the White House. It made me interested to read more about Laura Bush to compare how this book and her real life are similar. Great read!!!

34.~Love the One You're With~
Emily Giffin


This is one of my new favorite books! What I loved about this book was it asks the question, "what if". I loved how conflicted Ellie was, and how in the end she decided love is a choice. There are many quotes in the book I loved as well. LOVED LOVED LOVED it:) Looking forward to Emily Giffin's new book!

35.~English as a Second Language~
Megan Crane


I fell in love with this book! I found this book randomly at a used bookstore and was intrigued by the summary of the story, so thought "why not?" Megan Cranes writing style and vivid descriptions pulls you into the story, and you really feel connected to the characters. I adored the character of Alex. She reminds me so much of myself (and I was rooting for her and Toby the entire time!!!). The book's about a young women who packs up her life in New York to go to graduate school in England. There she discovers great friends,a love of drinking into the wee hours, and what she has been missing and searching for in her life all along. It's one of those "packing up your old life and getting away from it all to discover the real you and the real purpose of your life.......LOVED IT!!!!

36.~Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess~
Carolyn Meyer


I've always been fascinated with the mystery surrounding the death of the Duchess Anastasia and her family's terrible end, and I admit that fascination began when I saw the anamated version of the movie "Anastasia". This book was a historical fiction version of a diary based off the life of Anastasia leading up to the revolution/war and the execution of the royal family. It's an interesting take on what life might of been like for the royal family. What I loved about the book was that you got a glimpse to what Anastasia and her family's life was like before the war, and how vastly different it was later. It was also interesting to note that the time period this all took place in was the early 1900's, really not too long ago when you think about it. This book definitely made me want to find more books about last royal family of Russia.

37. ~A Hopeless Romantic~
Harriet Evans


This book was PERFECT for me! I loved it! I'm such a hopeless romantic that reading this book was like being lost in my own little world:) The story is about Laura, a self described hopless romantic, who has a rep for falling for always the wrong guy. After a nasty break up, she flees out of London for some time away and meets Nick, who maybe the right guy for her finally. The story is sweet and I'm excited to read more by this author

38.~Julie and Julia~
Julie Powell


This book had such promise. It's a true story about a woman (Julie) who is unhappy with the state of her life, and decides to cook every recipe in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and blog about her progress online. I was excited to read about Julie's challenge, and I love to cook so I thought I'd happily breeze through this book....no such luck. I can't pinpoint exactly what I disliked about the book, but there was no stand-out moments for me, Julie's personality didn't shine through the pages and give me a glimpse into her world...in other words it was DULL DULL DULL.....

39.~Roommates~
Whitney Lyles


This book was cute! A great story about the realities of life depending on your roommate situation! Whitney Lyles has a great sense of humor in this book, there were a couple times I was laughing out loud (especially during the drive-thru part....loved it:)

40.~Story of Girl~
Sara Zarr


An honest book about a teenage girl trying to take her life onto a better path 3 years after she is caught in the back seat of her brother's best friends car by her father. Ugly rumors have been talked about her, and the character struggles to overcome nasty high school rumors, a troubled home life, and a low self-esteem to realize that your past does not always define your future.