All the Pretty Pages

Mailbox Monday 6

2010-02-15T06:55:00.001-05:00

(This is actually for 2 weeks' worth, since last week I was crazy busy!)

Mailbox Monday is graciously hosted by Marcia @ The Printed Page.

Something I have realized...

2010-02-13T11:03:00.002-05:00

I tend to blame my reading habit on the weather. Thoughts that frequently go through my mind:

"It's so cold outside this afternoon, I should go cuddle up and read."

"It's such a dreary and rainy afternoon, it's the perfect time to read."

"The sun is so bright! Sitting by the light in the window with a book would be divine."

And specifically, for today: "It's snowy and cold and maybe even icy out there, so I shouldn't leave the house today anyway. I think I'll just read!"

No matter the weather, it's always a good time to read!

Review: Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest

2010-02-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

Published: 2003
Pages: 285
Setting: Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida
Genre: Southern Gothic Fiction
Recommended for: Those who enjoy slightly dark, slightly suspenseful novels
Rating:

From the back cover: Although she was orphaned at birth, Eden Moore is never alone. Three dead women watch from the shadows, bound to protect her from harm. But outside her aunt's house a gunman waits, convinced that Eden is destined to follow her wicked great-grandfather, an African magician with the power to curse the living and raise the dead. Now Eden must decipher the ghostly trio's secret before a new enemy more dangerous than the fanatical assassin destroys what is left of her family. She will sift through lies in a Georgian antebellum mansion and climb through the haunted ruins of an abandoned hospital, desperately seeking the truth that will save her beloved aunt from the curse that threatens her life.

Eden and I share the same "stomping grounds" and we were born within a year of each other. That's pretty much where the similarities end. Knowing that part of the setting of this novel would be familiar to me is what made me pick up this book (she mentions Red Bank, Moccasin Bend, Signal Mountain, and other parts of Chattanooga). From the cover, I thought it would be a fairly spooky read. At the best, it was suspenseful at times. Suspenseful enough to make me want to keep turning the pages, but not really spooky at all. I kept catching myself in confusion regarding why certain things were happening, and parts of the novel felt disjointed. I must chalk that up to this simply not being my kind of book. As much as I'd love to say that I'm a fan of southern gothic fiction, I'm apparently just not. However, I do have a couple more books by this author on my shelves, and I will read them eventually because they are also set in local spots, and that is cool.

A few tidbits from the novel:

In a bigger city I might not have been so special, but the valley is a small pond and the fish are easily impressed.

"Why are we driving through Georgia?" I asked, though the obvious answer was "To get to Florida," because that's really the only reason anyone drives through south Georgia.

The wet swamp world was alive with green, damp motion, and it was hungry.

Mailbox Monday 5

2010-02-01T06:39:00.000-05:00

Mailbox Monday is graciously hosted by Marcia @ The Printed Page.

Review: Keep Calm and Carry On

2010-01-31T18:12:00.001-05:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 160
Genre: Reference
Recommended for: lovers of quotations
Rating:

Inspired by the motivational poster created by the British government in 1939 (which was never used, but was rediscovered in 2000 in a second-hand bookstore), Keep Calm and Carry On is a collection of smart and sensical quotes. Being a lover and collector of great quotations, I had to pick up this little book the last time I was at the bookstore. Sometimes, when I'm not in the mood for a full-fledged novel, things like this book of quotations really hits the spot.

Here are a few of the notable quotables from this collection:

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it.
~ W. C. Fields

Today, there are three kinds of people: The haves, the have-nots, and the have-not-paid-for-what-they-haves.
~ Earl Wilson

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.
~ Anne Frank

Worry often gives small things a big shadow.
~ Swedish Proverb

It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the Committee of Sleep has worked on it.
~ John Steinbeck

If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart.
~ Socrates

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
~ Mark Twain

Reading romance

2010-01-24T18:59:00.003-05:00

Over the last couple of years, I've come to realize that my taste in romance novels is pretty particular. What brought this up? While I was reading Love in Another Town and reading the phrase "matching his ardor" several times (and rolling my eyes each time, I must add), I put some thought into what I do enjoy reading in terms of romance.

Sweet is good, smut is not. Sexy is good, sugary is not. Classic is good, prim is not. Reality is good, impossibility is not.

It's got to be difficult to write anything steamy. As an author trying to portray a love scene, I would feel somewhat silly and definitely awkward.

What do you look for in romance novels? What aspects cause you to consider it to be a good read, or vice versa?

Review: Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

2010-01-19T06:24:00.000-05:00

Published: 2010
Pages: 260
Setting: Toccoa, Georgia
Genres: Romance, Southern Fiction
Recommended for: Fans of romantic novels set in the South
Rating:

Colleen, facing a pressing decision of her own, is the granddaughter of Lily, who once lived in a world guided by a set of rules, many of which she would've rather just ignored, a few of which she would have preferred to toss out altogether. But in Toccoa, Georgia in 1945, things were just done a certain way; plans and promises made were expected to be kept, societal norms were to be adhered to, no matter the cost. And Lily's strong-willed mother, Honey, wouldn't have it any other way.

During an emotional and jubilant time of historical proportions, Fireworks Over Toccoa is a novel about the heart of a woman and her struggles to stay within the confines of what it yearns for. Lily Davis Woodward meets Jake Russo just days before her husband is scheduled to return to the home they had only shared for two weeks before he went to serve in World War II. What ensues could be considered a predictable wild-oats-sowing whim, but I'm quite sure Lily didn't view it as such. Jake Russo exuded such passion and verve, Lily couldn't help but surrender and respond to his quiet, understated charm, not to mention her own emotions which had been building beneath the surface. She decides to share herself, her dreams and stories with Jake, and their time together becomes but a cherished moment to embrace forever.

My favorite part has to be when Jake cooks risotto for Lily out in the field over a campfire. I even looked up the song mentioned as playing over the radio (Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered by Helen Forrest).

The ending wraps up quite nicely and somewhat satisfactorily, despite the tragedy that felt sort of muted to me, because of Lily's actions and desires. However, throughout the book I couldn't help but be reminded of the movie Titanic. Several aspects were so similar it put me off a little bit, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy the beautiful writing, which was sometimes exquisite, sometimes educational. A few quotes I marked in particular:

After the War Between the States, when the only way to get salt was to boil the dirt from the floors of the ravaged smokehouses, pour off the water, and use the residue in the bottom of the pot, wasting salt was a sin in Georgia.

"I'll bring you a pie. A pecan pie. That's what we do in Toccoa. Baking. Lots of baking, usually with nuts."

When she had been dancing alone, this was who she was with.

Thank you very much to the Georgia Writers Association for sending me this book to read and review. I really appreciate it and I enjoyed the time I spent with this novel.

Mailbox Monday 4

2010-01-18T06:40:00.001-05:00

I had a wonderful week in books! Special shout-out to Amanda for giving away her copy of The Red Leather Diary. I'm going to read it soon!

Mailbox Monday is graciously hosted by Marcia @ The Printed Page.

The Slightest... Irritation?

2010-01-15T21:52:00.004-05:00

I chide myself at times for being unwilling to put down a book, even if it is not quite grasping my attention. I am a big believer in second (and sometimes third, and fourth) chances. So I tend to stick with whatever I'm reading unless it is just very obviously not something to which I want to devote my precious spare time.

Well, I ran into one of those types of books recently.

Before I bought The Slightest Provocation (thankfully for only $4), I read the back blurb and thought, "ooh, a steamy historical novel, sounds good." Unfortunately, after I started reading it, only about 20 pages in, I could just tell it wasn't going to be my type of novel. I don't even have a good example to share as to why I chose to stop reading this one, I just did. I had a feeling it would turn out to be more smutty than romantic, and that's just not my cup of tea.

So, onto the PBS shelf it goes!

Review: Stowaway by Karen Hesse

2010-01-12T19:22:00.004-05:00

Published: 2000
Pages: 315
Setting: The Oceans and Seaways of the World, 1768-1771
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys a good sea story
Rating:

This afternoon, at last, we weighed anchor. Now there are new sounds to join with the others. The wind clapping the sails, the men singing out in the rigging, the water churned by Endeavour's prow. Fine sounds. Sailing sounds.

The first thing I did this year was travel around the globe. With the help, of course, of author Karen Hesse who penned this excellent and educational young adult novel about the expedition of Captain Cook and his crew between 1768-1771.

The novel is made up of faithful journal entries written by Nicholas Young. He recorded everything from his successful feat in getting on the ship unnoticed and winning over the crew so they would let him stay on, to his feelings about his sea mates and all the work they were required to do in order to assist Captain Cook on his exploratory journey to map "New Holland" (Australia) and circumnavigate the world. Nick, who apparently liked pork, also included notes about the foods they ate during their trip. At one point, after he had partaken a time or two of things like sharks and turtles, he remarked, "It's a wonder what the stomach will allow the mind to accept."

Being based in fact, the author artistically composed personalities for the crew of the Endeavour. I felt pride as Samuel Evans learned to read, I smiled as I watched friendships grow (and rivalries soften). I especially enjoyed knowing the stories behind the names Captain Cook gave to areas such as Cape Farewell and Poverty Bay. Young Nick's Head, an actual place in New Zealand, was named after the main character.

Another very important featured character was Dr. Joseph Banks, a naturalist and botanist who was charged with detailing and cataloging the many plants and animals found along their voyage. Dr. Banks took a special liking to young Nick (due to his great work ethic), and asked him to contact him again in the future. Indeed he did, for they traveled by ship again together to Iceland in 1772.

I also took note of this particular commentary, which I found rather interesting and analogous to certain current situations: "These natives don't need to work hard for anything, so the things they have don't hold much value to them. Perhaps that explains the natives' thievery. If nothing has much value, why should anyone be upset at its being taken?"

Not being familiar with sea and ship terminology, I learned a couple of new words as well: scuttlebutt - a cask on a shipboard with fresh drinking water; and fearnaught - a coat made from thick canvas.

The only thing that could have made this book better would have been a more detailed map (but this is my opinion only; the simple map provided probably works fine for the book's intended audience of ages 10-14). Overall, a really nice read.

Mailbox Monday 3

2010-01-11T06:56:00.000-05:00

Mailbox Monday is graciously hosted by Marcia @ The Printed Page.

Five above zero

2010-01-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

That's what the wind chill is going to be today. Which may not sound too bad to some of my more northerly readers, who will probably laugh when they read that we're all holed up in our homes this morning, doing whatever we can to avoid going outside. It's snowy and icy out there on the roads, and unless there's an emergency or some other kind of dire need, most of us here in northwest Georgia will not be driving anywhere today. I am thankful for an unexpected day off. It's been a rather exhausting week. Plus, this morning I have two zits on my face, my back is hurting, and I'm simply not too disappointed that I don't have to hop up and head to work.

As long as we continue to have power (please, Lord, please!) I will be spending the day snuggling and watching TV and reading. That's more than okay with me!

Mailbox Monday 2

2010-01-04T06:27:00.002-05:00

I only received 1 book this past week, but it's a good one that I've been looking forward to reading. I didn't realize it was a novella but I like that fact, knowing that it will be a short read. I received this one from PaperBackSwap.

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia @ The Printed Page. Thanks, Marcia!

Reading in the sunlight

2010-01-03T17:28:00.002-05:00

Day 3 of my Project 365 endeavor. I promise I won't be putting all my pictures here on my book blog, but I couldn't help but think my fellow readers would enjoy this particular shot:

I've spent much of today alternately reading and snoozing. It's too darn cold to do anything else! And honestly, I'm trying to eek out every last moment of enjoyment and laziness before I have to go back to work tomorrow. 6:00AM is going to get here too fast!

Writing

2010-01-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, as I'm reading a book, I'll think, "I could do this. I could write." Not necessarily better than or even as good as the author I'm reading at the time, but I find that thought going through my mind every once in a while. I never really even go as far as to think up a storyline. I'm thinking I might actually give it a try sometime. Maybe start with a short story.

Do any of you readers out there ever consider writing a book of your own?

Project 365

2010-01-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

In addition to reading, I also enjoy piddling with photography. A few years ago, I tried doing the whole Project 365 thing, but eventually gave up after a month or two. This year, I'm going to try to give it another go. If I make it a whole 365 days, I've promised myself that I'll make and buy a book of my photos. I'll occasionally share them here as well.

Here's the first one from yesterday. I always love putting up a new calendar! This one is from Lang, who in my opinion has the very best quality and most beautiful selection of calendars available. I buy one from this artist every year; Shelley Reeves Smith is simply an amazing person and artist. I'm grateful to be able to display in my home some of the beauty she creates.

Books Won in 2010

2010-01-01T11:07:00.001-05:00

The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer - from Books and Needlepoint
The Survivors Club by Ben Sherwood - from Mom's Mutterings
The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel - from NYC Book Girl
When She Flew by Jennie Shortridge - from Savvy Verse & Wit
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff - from Georgia Writers Association
The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley (audio book) - from Mom's Mutterings
The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson & Martin Dugard - from I Read...

Books Read in 2010

2010-01-01T00:57:00.008-05:00

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff (8) - (1/18/2010) - (Review)
Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest (6) - (2/7/2010) - (Review)
Good Mail Day by Jennie Henchcliff & Carolee Gilligan Wheeler (9) - (2/8/2010)
How to Get Ideas by Jack Foster (5) - (2/16/2010)
Keep Calm and Carry On by Ebury Press (8) - (1/31/2010) - (Review)
Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford (6) - (1/24/2010)
Stowaway by Karen Hesse (8) - (1/11/2010) - (Review)

Reading Resolutions for 2010

2009-12-31T17:45:00.001-05:00

2009 was a slow reading year for me. I only read a total of 29 books, and my usual is anywhere between 45-60. I really feel kind of awful about that because reading is extremely important to me. It is the best hobby anyone can have; how else can you travel across lands and eras from the comfort of your favorite chair? There's no excuse not to spend as much time as possible reading.

But I do have at least one pretty good excuse for reading so little this year. I spent a lot of my spare time decluttering and cleaning our house because we were planning on selling it. It's been a dream of mine for a while to move closer to my job, and to have a little bit more space. We changed our minds about halfway through the year and decided to build instead of buy, so I've been looking at tons of house plans, trying to find the right one, one I will be totally happy with. We actually just this week selected the house plan. We already have a builder and a lot picked out and the next step is to finalize and sign the contract and get the financial stuff out of the way. Maybe I'm completely naive (or simply optimistic?) but I feel like the hardest part is over. Now I can just sit back and let the builders go for it. The only task I have left, albeit a large one, will be the moving process, and hopefully that will only take a week or two.

So I say all that to say this: I plan to read a lot more in 2010. 60 books is my goal. I'd like to overshoot that by a few, but I'd be really pleased if I could double my number from this year. I'm excited that I have this blog now, to encourage me to read more, and to help share my love of books with other readers (and thanks to all of you who are already visiting here - I'm thrilled!).

Best wishes go out to all of you for 2010. Happy New Year, and Happy Reading!

Best Books of 2009

2009-12-31T15:47:00.003-05:00

Even though my reading habits for 2009 were somewhat lacking in "oomph" ~ I still managed to find a few really wonderful gems. I find it interesting that my favorites were all written by authors with a last name beginning with the letter "S". With that in mind, all of the following titles earned a spectacularly super "10" from me (in alphabetical order):

Eating Heaven by Jennie Shortridge
Although this one had me literally bawling throughout the last half of the book, I was completely immersed in the story of Eleanor (who I adored) and her family, especially Benny. This was what I would call a cathartic read, simultaneously heartbreaking and encouraging.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
I'm sure this pick comes as no surprise to the book blogging community. There's not much I can say about it that hasn't already been said hundreds of times, but just trust me on this: if you haven't read this book, you simply must. It's a poignant story full of life affirmations, endearing characters, and plenty of quotables.

If You Lived Here by Dana Sachs
Adoption is an issue that hasn't been part of my life, yet, but still remains a possibility for me and my husband. This novel combined the journey of an adoption with the resulting life changes and friendships for the heroine, who I felt was such a kind, decent, generous person. I actually found myself wishing she were real so that I could be friends with her. I rejoiced with her when she finally got to bring home her child.

The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski
A friend of mine let me borrow this book, and I'm so glad she did. The premise of the novel was unique. Two girls are in a car crash, one dies, the survivor finds a list of things the dead girl wanted to accomplish before her 25th birthday and decides to finish it up for her, taking her on a journey and causing her to meet people who will change her life for the better. I'm not usually much of a fan of chick lit, but this was a nice exception.

Austen Heroines Quiz

2009-12-29T07:06:00.001-05:00

I must admit something. I've never read a Jane Austen novel. Yes, I know, that makes me certifiably unfit as a reader. I've only seen the Sense & Sensibility movie once. And I did enjoy it immensely. So I promise, one day I will read something by Jane Austen. I have this weird thing about great books; I'm hesitant to read them because I'm afraid their greatness will make all other books pale in comparison. "Gone With the Wind" has been sitting on my TBR shelf for years now.

Anyway, I took the Austen Heroines Quiz and was pleased with my result. (I completely adore Kate Winslet.) Whether or not this result is accurate for me and my personality, I simply don't know. I really should read the book.

Mailbox Monday 1

2009-12-28T11:22:00.001-05:00

My first Mailbox Monday! How exciting! Thank you to Marcia at The Printed Page for hosting this. I'm looking forward to participating each week, and hopping around to see what other book bloggers added to their shelves. Here's what I got in the mail this past week...

The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
Alva & Irva: The Twins Who Saved a City by Edward Carey
The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria by Marlena De Blasi
The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Review: Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

2009-12-27T16:12:00.007-05:00

Published: 2010
Pages: 305
Setting: Boston and Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Chick Lit, Paranormal
Recommended for: A quick read that doesn't require too much thought
Rating:

This book is a gumbo - full of tons of ingredients and flavors. I happen to prefer soups (and books) with a more simple seasoning. If you like your novels to be fairly fast paced and with chunks of various genres, then I can recommend Truly, Madly. While it was certainly a good little book, I felt there was too much going on, as if the author was trying to write a book that would appeal to everyone whether they liked romance, chick lit, or cozy mysteries, or something else altogether. That is a commendable goal, but I would have preferred a few more details, even if that caused the book to go slower.

The characters, though the abundance of them could cause confusion at times, were a redeeming factor overall. Lucy, the main character, is a sweet girl whose best talent is simply helping people, and I felt that she is just coming to realize that in this novel. She is able to put her "power" to good use, and the side story about missing little boy Max was my favorite part. Her attraction to Sean is intense, but the constantly looming cloud of "Cupid's Curse" was a tad bit annoying and unsatisfying, although I understand the author couldn't exactly have them running off to the chapel at the end of the book. Then what could we look forward to in the sequel?

Grand Opening Giveaway: 10 Books!

2009-12-27T12:00:00.006-05:00

To celebrate the "grand opening" of my blog, I thought I would give away some books! Here's what's up for grabs...

Angels by Marian Keyes
The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Angels Fall by Nora Roberts
Engaging Men by Lynda Curnyn
Cloud Chamber by Michael Dorris
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
To Cut a Long Story Short by Jeffrey Archer
Star Craving Mad by Elise Abrams
Little Children by Tom Perrotta
Late Night Talking by Leslie Schnur

The Details:
- ONE lucky winner will get ALL TEN of the books above!
- To enter: become a follower of my blog (via Google Friend Connect, see sidebar) and leave me a comment on this post letting me know you have done this. This will earn you ONE entry.
- For TWO MORE entries, leave a separate comment giving me a tip on how to be a great book blogger or what you think I could do to make my new blog the very best it can be.
- For FIVE extra entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link to the post on a separate comment.
- Entries accepted from now until Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at 11:59:59PM (Eastern Standard Time). Only U.S. and Canada addresses, please.
- Winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 and posted here on that day. Winner will also be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be drawn.

Best of luck to everyone!

This giveaway is now closed!

The winner is...
robin_titan
Congratulations! Please check your email and reply within 48 hours.

Thank you to everyone who entered and became a follower. I hope you'll come back often to see what I'm reading, what I'm wanting to read, and what I'm giving away!

Winter Words Reading Challenge

2009-12-26T22:14:00.004-05:00

Hosted by: Tarissa at In The Bookcase
When? December 21, 2009 through March 19, 2010
How? Choose one of Tarissa's selected wintry acronyms (mine will be SLED), and read books whose author or title begin with one of the letters in the word you've chosen.

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
S - Stowaway by Karen Hesse (Done! - 1/11/2010 - Reviewed)
L - Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford (Done! - 1/24/2010)
E - His Excellency, George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
D - David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Just beginning

2009-12-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

Greetings! After enjoying so many of the other book blogs out there, I've decided to jump in the ring of book bloggers in 2010. I plan to participate in some challenges, and I will of course also be sharing reviews of the books I read. Mainly, I just want to have fun, find great new books, and meet other readers.

Books to Read Before I Die 2010 Challenge

2009-12-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hosted By: Diane, the Bibliophile By the Sea
When? January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? Select at least 10 books, in print or audio, that you would want to make sure you read before you die. To encourage us to "read the best books first!"

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. 1776 by David McCullough
2. Anne of Green Gables b L. M. Montgomery
3. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
4. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
5. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
6. Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
7. Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith
8. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
9. The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
10. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

TBR Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T14:28:00.005-05:00

Hosted by ~ MizB's Reading Challenges
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Read 12 books in your "TBR" (to-be-read) stack during the year. Different formats and crossovers allowed. Up to 12 alternates allowed, but no changing after January 1st.

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. The Aviary Gate by Katie Hickman
2. The Brothers Karamazov b Fyodor Dostoevsky
3. Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
4. The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle
5. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
6. Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore
7. Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford - (1/24/2010)
8. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
9. Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser
10. Nectar: A Novel of Temptation by Lily Prior
11. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
12. World Without End by Ken Follett

Alternates:
1. A False Sense of Well Being by Jeanne Braselton
2. The Funnies: A Novel by J. Robert Lennon
3. Good Hope Road by Lisa Wingate

What's in a Name? 3 Reading Challenge

2009-12-26T13:53:00.000-05:00

Hosted by ~ Beth Fish Reads at What's in a Name? 3 Challenge
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Read 6 books (any format, crossovers allowed):
1. A book with a food in the title
2. A book with a body of water in the title
3. A book with a title (queen, president) in the title
4. A book with a plant in the title
5. A book with a place name (city, country) in the title
6. A book with a music term in the title

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. (Food) ~ Nectar: A Novel of Temptation by Lily Prior
2. (Body of Water) ~ Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
3. (Title) ~ His Excellency, George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
4. (Plant) ~ The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
5. (Place Name) ~ Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
6. (Music Term) ~ Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser

Audio Book Reading Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T13:28:00.001-05:00

Hosted by ~ Royal Reviews
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Read 6 (for the fascinated level) audio books.

What I'm planning on reading (listening to!) for this challenge:
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
The Intellectual Devotional by David S. Kidder
What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell
World Without End by Ken Follett

Historical Fiction Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T13:07:00.004-05:00

Hosted by ~ Royal Reviews
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Read 6 (for the Fascinated level) historical fiction novels.

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. The Aviary Gate by Katie Hickman
2. The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle
3. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
4. Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore
5. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
6. Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser
7. Nectar: A Novel of Temptation by Lily Prior
8. The Slightest Provocation by Pam Rosenthal
9. Stowaway by Karen Hesse - Finished 1/11/2010
10. The Tory Widow by Christine Blevins
11. World Without End by Ken Follett

Wish I'd Read That Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T12:48:00.003-05:00

Hosted by ~ Royal Reviews
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Read 6 books (for the Fascinated level) you've always wished you had read.

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
2. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
3. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
4. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
5. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
6. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Chunkster Reading Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T12:03:00.001-05:00

Hosted by ~ caribousmom at Chunkster Reading Challenge
When? ~ February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011
How? ~ Read 4 (for the Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big? level) books with 450+ pages. Crossovers with other challenges are fine; a pre-list is not required and books can be changed at anytime. No audiobooks, short story collections, or e-books.

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1,096 pages)
2. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (796 pages)
3. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1024 pages)
4. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig (464 pages)

Romance Reading Challenge 2010

2009-12-26T11:33:00.005-05:00

Hosted by ~ Naida, The Bookworm!
When? ~ January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
How? ~ Choose at least 5 novels and read them in 2010. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine. Read them at your own pace, then come here and post the link to your review(s).

What I'm planning to read for this challenge:
1. Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
2. The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle
3. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
4. Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford - Finished 1/24/2010
5. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
6. Nectar: A Novel of Temptation by Lily Prior