susiesharp's 1010 Challenge

Ok I was going to go for just 5 in each category but I decided to go for it!I changed category #4 just a little to give me a few more options!

I changed category #7 from Foreign Translation to Southern Fiction I hadn't read any in that category so I decided to change it.

Categories
1) Classics~~10/10
2) Cozy Mysteries/ Mysteries~~10/10
3) Historical Fiction~~10/10
4) Faeries and Other Supernatural beings~~10/10
5) 5-New Releases 5- Non-Fiction~~10/10
6) TBR Pile~~~10/10
7) Southern Fiction~~10/10
8) Series~Already Started~~10/10
9) LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's~~10/10
10) Magical Realism~~10/10
11) Misc. Reading~~10/10
Dec.15,2009-Dec.31,2010

1) Classics
1.The Woman In White by, Wilkie Collins-12/17/09
2.My Cousin Rachel by, Daphne duMaurier-12/31/09
3.My Antonia by Willa Cather 2/23/2010
4.The Age of Innocenceby, Edith Wharton 2/26/2010
5.Rebecca by, Daphne Du Maurier 6/4/2010
6.Jamaica inn by, Daphne Du Maurier
7.A Midsummer Night's Dream by, William Shakespeare 11/19/2010
8.Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 12/8/2010
9.The Custom of the Country by, Edith Wharton 12/16/2010
10.Holiday Classics by, O Henry The Gift of the Magi The cop and the Anthem The Last Leaf

2) Cozy Mysteries/ Mysteries
1.Dead Cold by, Louise Penny 3/18/2010
2.Evan Blessed by, Rhys Bowen 3/19/2010
3.The Cold Light of Mourning by, Elizabeth J. Duncan 6/22/2010
4.The Neighbor by, Lisa Gardner 9/23/2010
5.Heat Wave by, Richard Castle 11/30/2010
6.A Hoe Lot of Trouble by, Heather Webber 10/24/2010
7.Trouble in Spades by, Heather Webber 12/3/2010
8.Digging Up Trouble by, Heather Webber
9.Murder is Binding by, Lorna Barrett 12/18/2010
10. A Highland Christmas by, M.C. Beaton 12/24/2010

3) Historical Fiction
1.Voyager by, Diana Gabaldon 1/22/2010
2.Cleopatra's Daughter by, Michelle Moran 2/9/2010
3.A Reliable Wife by, Robert Goolrick 2/13/2010
4.The Jewel of Medina by, Sherry Jones 2/20/2010
5.Pompeii by, Robert Harris 3/7/2010
6.Mistress of Mellyn by, Victoria Holt 3/15/2010
7.Midnight Fires A Mystery with Mary Wollenstonecraft by, Nancy Means Wright3/21/2010
8.Innocent Traitor:A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by, Alison Weir 4/24/2010
9.The Lady Elizabeth: A Novel by, Alison Weir 5/27/2010
10.A Soldiers Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson by Sheila Solomon Klass

4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings
1.How to Ditch Your Fairy by, Justine Larbalestier-12/16/09
2.Wicked Lovely by, Melissa Marr (From my SantaThing) 1/6/2010
3.On The Prowl by, Patricia Briggs 1/9/2010-(Touchstones don't want to work)
4.Cry Wolf by, Patricia Briggs
5.Strange Brewby, PN Elrod(and various authors)2/2/2010
6.Hunting Ground by, Patricia Briggs 2/7/2010
7.Hush, Hush by,Becca Fitzpatrick 3/28/2010
8.You Slay Me (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 1) by Katie MacAlister 4/30/2010
9.Keys to the Repository by, Melissa De La Cruz 7/28/2010
10.Shiver by, Maggie Stiefvater 8/25/2010

5) 5-New Releases 5- Non-Fiction
1.The Glass Castle by, Jeannette Walls 1/21/2010
2.The End of the World As We Know It:Scenes from a Life by, Robert Goolrick 3/10/2010
3.A Brother's Journey:Surviving a Childhood of Abuse by, Richard Pelzer 4/8/2010
4.Josephine: A Life of the Empress by, Carolly Erickson
5.Little Madhouse on the Prairie by, Marion Witte
-----------------------------------------------
6.Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by, Beth Hoffman 2/25/2010
7.The Poacher's Son by, Paul Dioron 3/2/2010
8.Mornings in Jenin by,Susan Abulhawa 3/14/2010
9.Descent into Dust by, Jacqueline Lepore 4/21/2010
10.Allon Book 1 by, Shawn Lamb 5/10/2010

6) TBR Pile
1.The House on Tradd Street by, Karen White-1/24/2010
2.Sam's letters to Jennifer : a novel by, James Patterson 1/25/2010
3.Still Alice by, Lisa Genova 2/16/2010
4.Say Goodbye by, Lisa Gardner 4/2/2010
5.9 Dragons by, Michael Connelly 5/13/2010
6.The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber 6/9/2010
7.The Higher Power of Lucky by, Susan Patron 6/13/2010
8.Just Take My heart by, Mary Higgins Clark 6/21/2010
9.Fallen by, Lauren Kate 11/3/2010
10.Hatchet by, Gary Paulsen 11/18/2010

7) Southern Fiction
1.Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits by Celia Rivenbark 4/26/2010
2.Savannah Blues by, Mary Kay Andrews 4/28/2010
3.The Secret Life of Bees by, Sue Monk Kidd 5/5/2010
4.Deep Dish by, Mary Kay Andrews 5/30/2010
5.You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by, Celia Rivenbark 7/15/2010
6.Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank by, Celia Rivenbark
7.Salting Roses: A Novel by, Lorelle Marinello
8.The Kitchen House by, Kathleen Grissom 12/13/2010
9.A Redbird Christmas by, Fannie Flagg
10.Sweetie by, Kathryn Magendie

8) Series Already started
1.All Together Dead by, Charlaine Harris 12/25/2009
2. From Dead to Worse by, Charlaine Harris 1/2/2010
3.Dead and Gone by, Charlaine Harris 1/17/2010
4.A Touch of Dead by, Charlaine Harris 1/27/2010
5.Lord Sunday by, Garth Nix 3/7/2010
6.Silver Borne by, Patricia Briggs 4/3/2010
7.Dead in the Family by, Charlaine Harris 5/15/2010
8.The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by, Alan Bradley 6/4/2010
9.The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer 6/26/2010

10.Sizzling Sixteen by, Janet Evanovich 6/27/2010

9) LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's
1.When You Reach Me by, Rebecca Stead 1/25/2010-Newberry Winner 2010
2.Whose Body by, Dorothy Sayer 2/2/2010
3.Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by, Alan Bradley 2/6/2010
4.Shoot the Moon by, Billie Letts 3/31/2010
5.Queen Victoria Demon Hunter by, A.E. Moorat 5/22/2010
6.Beautiful Malice by, Rebecca James 5/26/2010
7.The Quickening by, Michelle Hoover 7/20/2010
8.Infinite Days by, Rebecca Maizel 7/18/2010
9.The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by, Lola Shoneyin 8/9/2010
10.Wake of Forgiveness by, Bruce Machart 9/25/2010

10) Magical Realism
1.Truly, Madly: A Novel by, Heather Webber 12/20/09
2.The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen 3/27/2010
3.The Garden of Eve by, K.L. Going 3/29/2010
4.Elsewhere by, Gabrielle Zevin 4/2/2010
5.Garden Spells by, Sarah Addison Allen 5/4/2010
6.The Ice Queen by, Alice Hoffman 5/14/2010
7.Pomegranate Soup by, Marsha Mehran
8.Eva Moves the Furniture by, Margot Livesey 12/26/2010
9.The Forgotten Garden by, Kate Morton 12/28/2010
10.Bloodroot by, Amy Greene

I'm reading another Holly Black fairy series, this one in graphic novel form -- Good Neighbors. Volume two just came out.

I love your magical realism category. You should try some Alice Hoffman; specifically Blackbird House, Practical Magic and The Ice Queen. You might also try Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke.

In addition, several that are on my list this year are Shadow of the Wind and Winter's Tale

It's my favorite genre actually and I'm always looking for new books. I am excited about the Barbara Bretton you have listed and I will try to find it soon.

I will be checking back to see what else you find in that area. Good luck on the challenge!

Hi Susie, good to see you over here. Are you starting the whole challenge now, or just getting an early start with Women In White? You've got some interesting categories, looking forward to seeing you fill them up.

#13-I'm actually listening to The Probable Future right now its my first Alice Hoffman and I already read Shadow of the Wind Its what made me decide to put the Foreign Translation on my list it was Fantastic!I may do 5 of those and maybe 5 ARC's not sure if I can come up with 10 FT's that I like.

Thanks Delta-I ordered Woman in White from the State Library so am just going to start that one early even though I could count a few of the books I'm reading now.In the recommended I'm sure you'll see some of your books!

I love all your categories :) I'm especially excited to see what you read for Cozy Mysteries, Faeries, Urban Fantasy, and Magical Realism!

15 Susie, you could always include some crossovers. For example, I'd recommend something by Haruki Murakami which would fit in both Translations and Magical Realism categories.

Yes I'm sure I could get quite a few crossovers but then it won't be 100 books. :).
I think this will be a fun challenge!Its my first try at one of these challenges.

EDT:Because I can't spell

It's my first challenge too. I am very excited to get started.

I like your categories and you have some interesting selections. I see you have a Louise Penny there. I finished The Brutal Telling recently, my first from her, and I really enjoyed it.

I won an ER of Brutal Telling and loved it and now want to read the rest of the series!

I am loving Woman in White!!!About half done.

Here's a classic for you: Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Very funny, but some meaningful stuff about wildlife and conservation.

I changed one category because Faeries and other Supernatural beings are most likely going to be Urban Fantasy.So what I'm going to do is 5 new releases and 5 non-fiction.

Yay my SantaThing Santa helped me add some books!I also got the book On the Edge by, Ilona Andrews .
Would that fit in Faeries & Supernatural Beings or Magical Realism??

4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings

#1
How to Ditch Your Fairy by, Justine Larbalestier
This was a cute YA book. Its set in ,as the author says “an imaginary country perhaps a little in the future.” It had some interesting slang and am glad she put a glossary in the back to explain what these words meant but she did use one of my favorite words “ discombobulated” and it was fun to see someone else use it.
This was a light fun read I liked the different fairies the “Parking Fairy”, ’The Shopping Fairy”, “The All-Boys-Will-Like-You Fairy”. It was cute to see how you can be jealous of someone and find out that what they have is not all its cracked up to be. If you have teenagers who like a light fun read I recommend this one!

1) Classics

#1
The Woman in White by, Wilkie Collins
This is a classic author I have just discovered and after reading this one I will be reading/devouring everything he has written. This was gothic fiction at its best and the story kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Every time I thought I had this story figured out the author would throw in another clue/red herring and throw my theory right out the window.
Marion was a great character who seemed ahead of her time she was so strong in a time when women don’t seem to have that kind of strength. I don’t know how Laura would have managed on her own she was a quite weak. Anne seemed actually stronger than Laura even with all she had been through.
Count Fosco was a very interesting character too one of the best written villains ( If that is what he was),he has become one of my favorite villains in literature. He was charming in that slimy kind of way and I do believe showed real affection towards Marion.
I liked the multiple character viewpoints I found it a great way to give the reader the entire story as the different characters saw it unfold. This book is a classic but not your run of the mill classic it is far from boring and is a great mystery. I couldn’t get enough of this book I never wanted to let it go when I had to get something done and for a chunkster that’s saying something. If you are looking for a classic to revitalize your love of classics or to introduce someone to the classics this is the book to choose. I am off to find anything else this man has written!
5 Stars

</b> turning off bold LOL. I'm a great cozy fan and find them particularly suited to audio books, so I'm looking forward to discovering some new ones from you.

I know I'm sorry about the bold thing don't know what happened there!
Finished for Magical Realism Category
Truly, Madly: A Novel by, Heather Webber

Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as valentine Inc. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with psychic ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is, Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world?

The mix of Romance- Mystery & Humor was just the right blend.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to after seeing the quote on the back saying "Romance with a little Mystery and whole lot of fun” I would say just the perfect blend of all three!
Lucy Valentine is a great character she’s funny & tough, yet sweet & sensitive. I’ve also noticed a trend in some recent books I’ve read and was happy to see a romance Without a love triangle and I hope this series continues this.
I enjoyed Lucy & Sean’s courtship and all of the supporting characters are a great addition to this series and I look forward to getting to know better.
The Mystery kept me guessing and was happily surprised by an outcome I had not figured out. This book is a nice mix of cozy mystery with a splash of psychic ability thrown in. If you like Janet Evanovich, Diane Mott-Davidson etc. you’ll enjoy this new series.

I know this book doesn’t come out till Feb.2010 but I am already looking forward to the next book in series. Bring on more Lucy Valentine!
I received this from LT’s Early Reviewers Program.
4 Stars

Finished in category #8 Series already Started
finished All Together Dead by, Charlaine Harris
It was one of the better ones in this series lots of action.

Finished category #1 Classics
My Cousin Rachel by, Daphne duMaurier 12/31/2009
Love story No
Obsession Story Yes
Philip was raised in a house of men never having any women in the house .He has never been around anything but farm wives and that has left him ill-prepared when his cousin’s widow comes to live with him. She is a woman of the world and wraps the poor naïve boy around her little finger without him even noticing. Although I’m still not sure if there is a villain in the story Rachel seems sweet and at most times without malice and Philip acts like a petulant boy most of the time. The letters from Ambrose are somewhat obtuse and as a reader I was never sure what had really happened to him in Florence. The ending of the story was abrupt and left many unanswered questions.
All in all I didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected to. It was good gothic fiction but the story did meander from time to time and did not hold my interest as I thought it would, and the ending was so abrupt it was as though there were pages missing. I had high hopes for loving this book as I loved Rebecca but I am sorry to say I did not. I give it 3 stars only because anything lower is wrong for a writer of her caliber but it is barely a 3 star novel.

Category #8 Series Already Started
From Dead to Worse by, Charlaine Harris 1/2/2010

This is now my favorite of this series. There are a lot of revelations about Sookie’s heritage and family, lots of action & not much romance.
I really enjoyed the full meat of the storyline. A lot of things from previous books were resolved and many things revealed.
These a fun read and I am looking forward to the next one!

I read all of duMaurier when I was a teenager (dating myself I know). Your review of My Cousin Rachel has me racing to put this on the 'read again list if only to see how it will read now some 40 years later.

I so wanted to Love My Cousin Rachel I've got a few of her books on the shelf so I will try another one.

Happy New Year. I think you have read the best Daphne DuMaurier already in Rebecca but I remember liking both Frenchman's Creek and Jamacia Inn better than My Cousin Rachel.

I am planning on starting the Sookie Sackhouse series sometime this year, everyone seems to really like it.

Category 4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings
Finished Wicked Lovely by, Melissa Marr

At first I felt this book was predictable I felt like I’d read it before. Until the last hundred pages or so.
I like how she wrapped the story up *No Spoilers*.
Aislinn was a strong heroine that knows her own mind and fights for what she wants. I liked all the characters; I’d have to say that after Aislinn my favorite characters were Donia & Seth.
I did feel at times the story was rushed especially the scenes with Grama *Again No Spoilers *.I would have liked a little more information there and wish Grama would have had a bigger role in the story.
These were definitely not cute cuddly faeries I thought the author did a good job at creating the Faire World.
All in all a good first book and I do plan to read the next book in this series.
3 ½ Stars

4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings

On The Prowl by, Patricia Briggs-Eileen Wilks-Karen Chance & Sunny
This is a collection of short stories. I have only read Patricia Briggs before so was neat to discover a couple new authors.
I really enjoyed the first one Alpha & Omega by, Patricia Briggs it is set in Mercy Thomson’s world .It is the prequel to her Cry Wolf Series I really enjoyed getting to know Sam’s brother Charles and his “mate” Anna infact so much that I had to go and get the rest of this series!But if you are looking at reading Cry Wolf read this story first or you will be confused.
The second story is Inhuman by, Eileen Wilks this was an interesting story and did make me want to check out more books by this author.
The third story is Buying Trouble by, Karen Chance she did a good job at building the world once the story got going although at first it was a bit confusing,but turned out to be a pretty good story.
The fourth story is Mona Lisa Betwining by, Sunny I couldn’t get into this story it didn’t hold my atttention at all.
So for a short story collection 3 out 4 stories enjoyed was pretty good and I discovered some new authors to read.

4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings
Cry Wolf by, Patricia Briggs
This was the start of a new series in The World of the Marrok featuring Charles & Anna well actually the start is in the book of short stories On the Prowl. Charles is Bran’s (The Marrok’s) son and enforcer/hitman who in the 2 centuries he’s lived has never been mated, until he meets Anna –in the short story The Alpha & Omega. Anna is an Omega wolf who was attacked and changes then abused by the Chicago pack that Charles rescued her from.
Cry Wolf starts out with Charles & Anna going back to Montana and getting to know each other because their wolves have already decided they are mated. But trouble is brewing in the mountains surrounding the pack’s home and Bran has no choice but to send Charles to investigate
I love Patricia Briggs writing she has created a wonderful world in the World of the Marrok that started for me in Moon Called a Mercy Thompson story. This one is different because our heroine in this is Anna who is deeply damaged by the events in Chicago after she was forcibly changed.
I am looking forward to more of Charles & Anna’s story and how they deal with the past and future. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

Masterpiece Mystery did an excellent adaptation of The Woman in White. It's worth looking for.

Thanks cmbohn I rented the BBC one and wasn't impressed.I'll look for that one!

8) Series Already started
Dead and Gone by, Charlaine Harris

Another adventure filled edition of the Sookie Stackhouse story.This time the threat comes from the Fae World thanks to her great grandfather Niall.There is of course some romance as Sookie finally decides which man she wants (well sort of).I don't want to give too much away but there was fun and adventure and some sadness at least for me as you know in war there is death.Nuff said!

5) 5-New Releases 5- Non-Fiction
The Glass Castle by, Jeannette Walls
This was a sad but at times humorous story of a family called the Walls. They lived a fairly nomadic life at times always moving from town to town when things would get “hot”. They were a very poor family with 4 kids a father who was an alcoholic and a mother who as she called it was addicted to adventure. Jeannette Walls paints a picture of a family that had many hardships but to me it seemed like they weren’t short on love even though she does describe her mother as somewhat unloving who always said she would be a great artist if she hadn’t had kids. The dad is a dreamer always looking for a get rich quick scheme but he doesn’t depend on other people(Other than his children) for that he plans on inventing the next great thing saying he’s got plans for this and that but those plans never come to fruition because he’s always drinking.
Jeannette tells this story of her life in a matter of fact way and I liked that there wasn’t much poor me in this book, just this is the way it was. Despite their upbringing the Walls kids were all extremely intelligent reading at a very young age. Their parents taught them a lot and gave them a good education despite everything, in the sense that they were very book smart. But they did go hungry for the better part of their young lives and even when her parents were working the money vanished as fast as it came in with nothing going to clothing for the kids or food, it seemed when either parent was working which wasn’t often they would have food for less than a week then go hungry again.
I would have actually liked to have seen some pictures but she does explain why there weren’t any but I was curious about her mother’s art work. These parents I think did what they could with what capacity they had. I truly believe her father loved her and I was actually sad when he died in my mind he was a character. I like that Jeannette doesn’t make excuses for them just tells it like it is or was.
I really liked this book and would recommend it!

3) Historical Fiction
1.Voyager by, Diana Gabaldon 1/22/2010

This was a re-read/listen I love the audio books of this series Davina Porter brings the characters to life in a great way.But after the first 3 books right in a row its time for a break from this series.

6) TBR Pile
The House on Tradd Street by, Karen White

I so wanted to like this book but I’m afraid I didn’t, I think the first line kind of turned me off and it never got any better.This is the first line and my first thought was Who Talks Like This??
Pewter reflections of scarlet hibiscus colored the dirt-smudged windows of the old house, like happy memories of youth trapped inside the shell of an old man.

Melanie our protagonist was not a likable character, for me I felt like I should like her but didn't.
Also I wondered what kind of fetish/obsession the author has with old man's shoulders, she used it as a metaphor many times while talking about the house and then she describes her father's shoulders softer and rounder like that of an old man.
I felt this book was a bit predictable I knew exactly where the bodies were hidden ,so to speak, long before anyone in the book even came close to it and to me it seemed so obvious.
I did like the other characters in this book including Sophia, Melanie’s best friend, I do think she has kind of taken Melanie under her wing to try to bring her out of her somewhat obsessive compulsive shell.
I thought that her coming around about the house had more to do with the people helping her than the ghosts.
Overall this book just didn't do it for me and I won't be running out to get the next one.

Guess I'll avoid that one- that first line was a clunker alright.

6) TBR Pile
Sam's letters to Jennifer : a novel by James Patterson

Sappy Love Story..I liked his other non-mystery books but this one was pure sap!

Well, after two so-so ones, you are due a great read. Hope your next book does the trick!

I know I was thinking the same thing!I'm due for a good one!
I was really disappointed in House on Tradd Street I really thought I'd like it and there are so many good reviews but it sure wasn't for me.

LT Discoveries/Recommended -When You Reach Me by, Rebecca Stead

I am so glad this won the Newberry, which is what prompted me to read this. It’s actually hard to review without giving away the story. So I will just say this is a great coming-of age story, a great friendship story, a great mother daughter story with a dash of time travel and books about books thrown in for good measure. I would recommend this book to anyone from 9 years old and up. Our protagonist Melanie is a great character whose favorite book is A Wrinkle in Time and we learn the story of that book throughout the story. I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read A Wrinkle in Time and it has now earned a spot at the top of my TBR pile.
Get this book for your kids and yourself you'll see why it deserved to win the Newberry! If you have read and enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time Read this book!
4 ½ Stars

Okay I had to add another category for some misc. books I've ended up reading.
11) Misc. Reading
1.The Sugar Queen by, Sarah Addison Allen 1/27/2010
2.The Hunger Games by, Suzanne Collins 2/14/2010
3.Saint Mudd by, Steve Thayer 2/17/2010
4.Catching Fire by, Suzanne Collins 2/26/2010
5.The Dancing Floor by, Barbara Michaels 3/9/2010
6.At Risk by, Patricia Cornwell 3/28/2010
7.Kissing Doorknobs by, Terry Spencer Hesser 5/4/2010
8.Made In The U.S.A.by, Billie Letts 5/19/2010
9.Certain Prey by, John Sandford 6/10/2010
10.The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by, Douglas Adams 6/15/2010

11) Misc. Reading- 1.The Sugar Queen by, Sarah Addison Allen 1/27/2010
I received this from the Author Sarah Addison Allen for our library, and even though I have read this book I had to pop this audio book into the CD player and revisit this book. Here’s the review I wrote a couple years ago when I first read this book.
The Sugar Queen starts out with the story of 27 year-old Josey Cirrini who still lives with her overbearing mother; she escapes to her closet filled with romance novels and sugary snacks. Till the night she finds a local waitress, Della Lee Baker, hiding in her closet.Dellas decides to change Josey's life.Josey then meets Chloe Finley who has problems of her own, books appear out of nowhere and follow Chloe around. This was the fun part of this book because the books are usually self-help or repair if something is broken. And if she doesn't read them they keep appearing wherever she is. This story is one of friendship, love, loss and stepping out of the box. I found it a very interesting story with a big twist ending so I won't go into any more detail of it, as I don't want to ruin it for anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book Sarah's writing flows nicely and this story kept me reading. Her books have a supernatural side but you don't have to enjoy fantasy to enjoy her wonderful books.

I just loved Sarah Addison's first two books and am looking forward to getting my hands on her next one, The Girl Who Chased the Moon.

thanks for that review in #11...I had started that book a couple years ago, but for some reason, I didn't get very far. I think, based on your remarks, I'll put it back on the pile to give it another look. Wish I could remember why it was a no go?

Yep 46 days till The Girl Who Chased the Moon..I have a countdown ticker on my blog :)..Was mad I didn't win an ARC on here or GR.Sarah's writing is so great!

8) Series Already started-A Touch of Dead by, Charlaine Harris 1/27/2010

This was a collection of short stories about Sookie Stackhouse that have appeared in a number of other books I was glad she put them all in one book so I don't have to buy all the others.This book filled in some gaps in Sookie's story although I didn't like the story Gift Wrap I thought it was out of character for Sookie and just about some frivolous sex.
3 1/2 stars

9) LT Discoveries/Recommended-Whose Body by, Dorothy Sayers 2/2/2010
This is the first Lord Peter Wimsey book it was pretty good ,not as good as I was expecting but still good .I will be reading more of this series as I've heard they do get much better.

My daughter sent me home the other day with an armload of Charlaine Harris books - the Sookie Stackhouse series, so I will be starting on those one of these days.

Also I have Whose Body sitting on my TBR shelf, I have heard the same thing, that the series gets better as you go along, but I am obsessed with reading a series in order so must start at the beginning!

Sookie is a fun escape.
I am the same way about series I have to read them in order.

4) Faeries and other Supernatural Beings Strange Brew, Various Authors 1/2/2010
These were short stories by various authors 2 I’ve read a lot of books from 1 I’d read only another short story and the rest were all new to me.
Seeing Eye by, Patricia Briggs- I always enjoy Patricia Briggs writing and I hope to see Tom & Moira show up again in the World of the Marrok.
Last Call by, Jim Butcher- This was my first Jim Butcher/Harry Dresden and it piqued my interest enough to order the first book in that series.
Death Warmed Over by, Rachel Caine- This was an okay story although I felt like I was missing major parts of the plot. Don’t know if it made me want to read more of Rachel Caine
Vegas Odds by, Karen Chance- This one was definitely action packed this is the 2nd short story I’ve read by Karen Chance and I will be finding more by her.
Hecate’s Golden Eye by, P.N. Elrod- good story the writing made me interested enough to look for her Vampire Files books.
Bacon by, Charlaine Harris- This story was okay it’s not a Sookie story but they off-handedly mentioned a character from those books. But the last line of this was GREAT!!
Signature of the Dead by, Faith Hunter- Good action packed story. Will find the book Skinwalker which is about one of the characters in this story.
Ginger by, Caitlin Kittredge- This story intrigued me enough to look for more by this author.
Dark Sins by, Jenna Maclaine- Maybe if I’d read this author/character before I would have enjoyed it better it was just ok or less.

LT Discoveries/Recommended- Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by, Alan Bradley 2/6/2010
What a great story this was.Flavia is a precocious 11 year old going on 40 .She is quite the amatuer sleuth . When a dead body turns up in her cucumber patch and her father is arrested for the murder,Flavia sets out to clear her fathers name.She has a great mind and follows the clue's even though it puts her in danger.
I loved her relationship with her sisters to me it was so true to life.I however wasn't a big fan of her father even after the events at the end of the book he still seemed so cold towards her.
I am still not sure how to classify this book though is it adult or young adult there is no bad language and the protagonist is young so in my mind it would be young adult that adults would enjoy to.
I am looking forward to reading the next chapter in Flavia's story.

Faeries and other Supernatural Beings-Hunting Ground by, Patricia Briggs 1/7/2010

Another great book by Patricia Briggs. This time Charles & Anna are sent to Seattle to oversee a werewolf conference about Bran's decision to bring the werewolves out of the closet. Anna ends up fighting vampires & the Fae this time. I was excited by the addition of Tom & Moira from the short story in Strange Brew and hope they make another appearance in the World of Marrok, because it would be nice to see Anna & Moira's friendship continue to grow.
I will be curious to read Silver Borne and see if any of the characters from Alpha & Omega make an appearance.

Historical Fiction- Cleopatra's Daughter by, Michelle Moran 2/9/2010
Michelle Moran has once again entranced me with her writing. Cleopatra’s daughter is the story of Marc Antony & Cleopatra’s (Kleopatra) children after they are taken to Rome after the deaths of their parents and the fall of Egypt to the Roman Caesar Octavian.
As always with Michelle Moran’s books I could not put this one down. She has researched so well into life in this time period the Romans to me were quite barbaric and the way most of them treated their slaves and their women (wives & daughters) was extremely heartbreaking.
The characters are brought to life by great writing and character development that some you want to be friends with and others you’d like to throttle. My favorite characters were Selene daughter of Antony & Cleopatra, Octavia sister and complete opposite of her brother Octavian and Gallia the Gaul Princess who became a slave after her country was overtaken. Julia daughter of Octavian was not my favorite character but when you are given some insight into what she has been through you are a little more sympathetic towards her. And you would think that the biggest villain of them all would be Octavian but you would be wrong it is his wife Livia what an awful woman she was!
Selene and her brother Alexander longed for their home in Alexandria and lived in the hope that one day they would return, but even though when they are brought to Rome they are kept in a fashion becoming of a Prince and Princess some things can only be a dream.
It was very interesting to me the kinds of relationships people had with each other , many marriages, affairs and children, how strange it must be to sit in the Forum and be told see that man over there he is your half brother, and not be allowed to even talk to them. Or for some to not be allowed to see or even mention your mother or father.
As I have said before I will read anything Michele Moran writes so I hope her next book is on the way because I have now read everything she has written.
Great book, beautiful descriptions that take you back in time, great characters so fully developed you don’t want to leave them behind when the book ends.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads historical fiction and even if you’re just discovering it this is a great place to start!
5 Stars

Cleopatra's Daughter is on my wishlist. Are there any other of Michelle Moran's that you particulary recommend - or just everything equally?

All of them are wonderful!But you'd want to read Nefertiti before you read the Heretic Queen as some characters overlap in those two. I read both of those in 2 sitting and Cleopatra's Daughter took me 3 only because I had to sleep not because I wanted to put the book down!

Thanks Susie!

Added to my wishlist! Thanks for the great review, Susie!

I put my Review of Cleopatra's Daughter on my blog and Michelle Moran commented thanking me for a thoughtful review and she said I had made her day!Well needless to say she made my day!

That is so very cool. It's nice to hear that authors will take the time to show appreciation to their readers.

Misc.Reading-The Hunger Games by, Suzanne Collins 2/14/2010
The Hunger Games by, Suzanne Collins

This book brought to mind The Running Man for a new generation. I also thought with some of the crazy reality shows out there it makes you wonder if this will one day be a reality.

16 year old Kantiss and Peeta are picked to be district 12’s contestants for the hunger games reality show where teenagers are picked from every district to compete in a fight to the death, while the whole world watches.

There is a lot of hype surrounding this book so many people love it. Well I liked it but I didn’t love it .

I am curious to read the next book not enough to run right out and get it but when I get a chance I would read it. Maybe I don’t like the whole dystopian idea ,maybe I didn’t like the fact of a reality show where teenagers have to kill each other. I don’t know there was just something that didn’t connect with me.

3 stars

Historical Fiction-A Reliable Wife by, Robert Goolrick 2/13/2010
This is a hard review to write I liked this book and disliked it, if that makes any sense. It’s the story of 3 very flawed people trying to find redemption. There is a lot of sex, which was a bit much, but at the same time it was a huge part of understanding the characters in this book.
I liked how Catherine evolved in the story to see her hopes and dreams, and her plans and schemes, change.
Antonio was a very unlikable character although I understood his reasons for being such I just couldn’t care about him at all.
Ralph was an enigma; I felt for him yet felt that a lot of his life was of his own making.
Like I said this is a hard review I don’t want to give the story away so I can’t really tell about what this story made me feel. The longer I’m away from it the more I liked it, it has a gothic feel it is not a happy book but it wasn’t supposed to be. I guess I would just say read it and draw your own conclusions.
3 1/2 stars

TBR Pile-Still Alice by, Lisa Genova 2/16/2010
This is an amazing book, moving and heartbreaking in every way. Alice has early onset Alzheimer’s and this book is told by her point of view which is scary and heartbreaking to see this professor at Harvard go downhill. You feel for her as she loses more than memory she loses herself, her comfort, her meaning in life.
Her husband kind of made me mad I’ve seen how hard Alzheimer’s can be on the caregiver but this was the first thing I’ve read from the person with the disease’s perspective, because of that it was harder for me to be sympathetic towards her husband.
I hope to never be in Alice’s shoes it must be so awful to not recognize your own children and family.
This is a very powerful read that I would recommend whole heartedly. If you know anyone whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s they need to read this book.
4 1/2 Stars

Misc.Reading-Saint Mudd by, Steve Thayer 2/17/2010
This was just ok.I love Film Noir and old 30's & 40's gangster movies so I thought I'd enjoy this book more but it wasn't very good.
2 1/2 stars

Historical Fiction-The Jewel of Medina by, Sherry Jones 2/20/2010
This was historical fiction telling the story of A'isha Bint Abi Bakr child bride of the Prophet Muhammad. It's set at the beginning of the of Islam, while it is a story of the beginnings of Islam it is more a story of A'ish and her life. It’s told in first person from A'isha's point of view, she was promised/engaged to Muhammad very young and married him when she was 9 years old. She was his third wife and after seeing her mother be a kind of slave to the head wife in her own home A'isha vows to be hatun or "Great Lady" and never be a slave to anyone.
A'isha is just a child when she marries Muhammad and has a quick tongue and a jealous streak that gets her in trouble alot, she can be rash and petty but she is also strong, independent and eventually very loyal to those she allows to love her.
I enjoyed this book I've read alot of historical fiction but never any set in this time and place so it was a new experience for me. It was interesting how Ms. Jones brings a humanity to Muhammad that maybe we non-Muslims didn't know about him like how he treated his wives he listened to their opinion and would never have beat them, which in that day and age no matter what religion was something different.
I will be reading the next book in this series to see what happens to everyone after the sadness at the end of this book.
I would say if you like historical fiction with a good love story try this book.
3 1/2 Stars

The Jewel of Medina sounds interesting, I've added to my massive wish list.

Classics-My Antonia by, Willa Cather 2/23/2010
My mother’s family homesteaded in Nebraska so this book was one I’ve wanted to read for awhile and I was glad I finally did and wonder why it took me so long.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to. I’d heard from friends that this book was boring and a slow read, I didn’t find that to be the case. I loved l hearing of Antonia’s life it was kind of Little House on the Prairie for adults. To see how immigrants survived in our new prairie with no grasp of the language and no education, the hardships they went through to carve out a place for themselves a place to belong.
I liked that this book wasn’t predicable what you assumed would happen with Jim & Antonia didn’t happen, I myself assumed it and was pleasantly surprised and a bit sad, although that ending would have been very predictable.
All in all for a classic book I enjoyed it and would recommend if you like American Historical Fiction.
4 Stars

WOOHOO Another author commented on one of my reviews.Sherry Jones who wrote Jewel of Medina thanked me for my review on my blog!!
http://www.nrpl.blogspot.com/

New Release- Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by, Beth Hoffman 2/25/2010
CeeCee Honeycutt has had a tough life in her 12 years she had a father who travels alot and leaves her home alone with her mentally ill mother. Her mother doesn't beat her or anything however she thinks she's back in 1951 when she was the Vidalia Onion Queen she parades around town in prom dresses and her tiara and can't be pulled back into the present no matter how hard CeeCee tries.
As events unfold CeeCee ends up living with her Great Aunt Tootie in Savannah, which is where she begins to heal from her past.
This is a story of love, loss, forgiveness, friendship and strong women. We watch as CeeCee comes to grips with her past and finally allows people in on what she has been through with her mother.
I loved this book Beth Hoffman brings these characters to life you end up loving them all. If you loved The Help you’ll love CeeCee.
I highly recommend this book definitely a must read!
5 Stars

I should be avoiding your thread - it's bad for the health of my wish list! I'm adding Saving CeeCee Honeycutt to my wishlist.

LOL I hear you!But I promise you won't be disappointed in this book!

Misc.Reading Catching Fire by, Suzanne Collins 2/26/2010
This is the action packed sequel to The Hunger Games. The Capital has deemed Katniss & Peeta rebels and a threat to The Capital. When the time comes for what should be their Victory Tour and everything should be going well everything changes as The Capital decides to get its revenge.
This one was definitely an edge of your seat action-packed book. I am glad I waited to read this series till right before the 3rd and last installment comes out because this sure left you with a cliffhanger a very abrupt one too. I think I liked this one better than the first or maybe it’s the fact that the Hunger Games ended up staying with me after I was finished and contrary to what I said in my review of the Hunger Games I did go out and get this one right away. This is a good series and look forward to Mockingjay.
3 1/2 Stars

Classics-The Age of Innocence by, Edith Wharton 2/26/2010
I ended up liking this book more than I expected to I thought it would be more sappy and boring but it wasn't either of those.
I liked the style of writing and since this is a classic it’s been reviewed by far better than me. Suffice it to say I enjoyed it and will be reading more from Wharton.
4 Stars

New Release-The Poacher's Son by, Paul Dioron 3/2/2010

I just finished this book and all I can say is WOW! Every quote on the cover of this book (Gripping, Compelling, Haunting, Original etc…) are spot on. Paul does an amazing job of drawing into this story with characters that are so compelling that you can’t put this book down. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil this story for anyone it is a Must Read for fans of thrillers, mysteries and character driven novels. I think Paul Dioron has an amazing career ahead of him.
I got this book through B & N First Look and am so glad I did I have found an author I will definitely be following.

Oh Susie, you've done it again! This one (The Poacher's Son) sounds too good to pass up.

Ya this was my first time with barnes & noble First Look and we're supposed to read like 7 chapters at a time and take a month to read it,well there was no way I could not put it down read it in 3 sittings.I really think this author has a really bright future!

Historical Fiction-Pompeii by, Robert Harris 3/7/2010
This book was not at all what I was expecting .I expected a story about the people of Pompeii leading up to the eruption but that’s not what this book was. This was more about the Augustus Aqueducts, which honestly bored me. There was a bit of a mystery surrounding the disappearance of the former “Aquarius” but didn’t really care. I guess this book was not my cup of tea.
2 Stars

Series Already Started -Lord Sunday by, Garth Nix 3/7/2010

Arthur has one more key and one more piece of the Will to find to save the House and the World outside from the Nothing.With the help of his comrades from the previous books Arthur must take on the most powerful Trustee Lord Sunday.

I don’t want to give anything away, as I know many others have been waiting for this final book as long as I have.

This final chapter in the Keys to the Kingdom Series was action packed all the way through and Garth Nix ended this series to my satisfaction and I wasn’t disapointed. Very good book!
4 1/2 Stars

Misc.Reading-The Dancing Floor by, Barbara Michaels AKA Elizabeth Peters 3/9/2010

Meh this was ok but I just didn't find it very engaging.
2 1/2 stars

OMG! Elizabeth Peters is Barbara Michaels??? I loved Barbara Michaels when I was in my teens and early 20s. I always wondered what happened to her and why she stopped writing in the late 90s. But, I see now that she didn't. I have never read any Elizabeth Peters books. I guess there goes my wishlist exploding again!

Yep Peters writes the series Amelia Peabody archeologist and amatuer slueth.

Non-Fiction-.The End of the World As We Know It:Scenes from a Life by, Robert Goolrick 3/10/2010

The way this story was told is somewhat jarring at times like the jump from his parents being mad at him to him being in the loony bin (his words) was jarring. No explanation of why he cut himself just that it happened and that he was in the Bin.It was explained in later chapters though.

This man’s life, what he has been through and still going through are tough to read about. After telling us about his cutting himself over and over then when he comes to the chapter about the night in September it all makes sense.

I read this book because I read his fiction book The Reliable Wife and I saw a lot of similarities between his life and what he wrote in The Reliable Wife like Ralph’s mother told him she didn’t hold him for the first year of his life, Robert’s own mother actually said this to him.

I also feel that the character of Ralph in The Reliable Wife is very much a portrait of Robert himself.

Heartbreaking and Thought Provoking.

4 Stars

New Release- Mornings in Jenin by, Susan Abulhawa 3/14/2010

This was the first book I’ve read about the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict. I’ve read quite a few books about the Middle East but they have mostly been about the taliban, so this was new territory for me.

This story is about a Palestinian family spanning from 1941-2002. It is told from different viewpoints from people in the Abulheja family. It is a heartbreaking and powerful story from when they are forced from
their home and put into refugee camps in Jenin life gets worse and worse. They are terrorized and brutalized. This was a hard story to read, so many children, dead, beaten, shot, and orphaned.

The only thing I knew about this “Conflict”/War is what I’ve seen on the news and I have known for awhile that the news isn’t the whole story so it was good to see the other side of this story.

This book reads like non-fiction although its fiction it as made me curious enough to investigate further and read some of the books the author suggests at the end.

All in all a powerful very heartbreaking read I would recommend to anyone who likes the books written by Khaled Hosseini.

4 Stars

Historical Fiction- Mistress of Mellyn by, Victoria Holt 3/15/2010

I really enjoyed this book I had always thought Victoria Holt was a romance novelist so I have not read any of her books.So I was pleasantly surprised to find a good gothic/victorian story.

I did not guess who the culprit was and this kept me guessing right along with Miss Leigh as to just what she was getting herself into.

Well written and would recommend to fans of gothic or victorian tales.

3 1/2 Stars

Cozy Mystery-Dead Cold by, Louise Penny 3/18/2010
I read this series out of order I read The Brutal Telling first and wasn't confused but this one confused me a bit because it referenced the case from the first book alot.
Other than that it was another good read I enjoyed it.But would definitely recommend reading the first book.
4 Stars
Touchstones don't want to work this morning

Cozy Mystery- Evan Blessed by, Rhys Bowen 3/19/2010

This book was ok didn't really get into it as well as I had hoped so didn't even write a review.I may try another of these and I may not.
3 Stars

Historical Fiction-Midnight Fires A Mystery with Mary Wollenstonecraft by, Nancy Means Wright 3/21/2010

What a great cast of characters!

Mary is very interesting I really enjoyed her take on life

From page 168-
“Men, men, men, men,” she muttered aloud.” Would that I could be in a society made up of women.”
But How worrisome, her heart spoke back, how dull to live without them.

In this aristocratic society Mary saw people for what they were. Her ideas about women in society were far ahead of her time. That young women be taught to Think. How dare she?

This was a great historical mystery. It kept me reading I just had to find out what secret Mary would find out next. I will definitely be watching for more mysteries with Mary Wollenstonecraft!

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries and gothic fiction.
4 ½ Stars

I received this book through LT Early Reviewers program

I had never heard of this one. Sounds good so I'll look for it.

It comes out 4/10/2010 and its only $10.76 on B&N it's the first in a series of mysteries I am definitely looking forward to the next book!

Magical Realism-The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen 3/27/2010

Another beautiful read by, Sarah Addison Allen.Emily Benedict's mother has passed away and she goes to live with the grandfather she never knew existed .She finds out things about her mother she never knew and secrets from her mothers past that have a huge affect on Emily’s life. It’s hard enough to live down your own past let alone someone else’s. Then there is Julia dealing with her father’s passing coming back to Mullaby to deal with her own past and the secrets she’s held onto.
The story of these two very different people intertwines in a story of the choices you make and the choices of your parents can affect you for years to come. In finding yourself and finding redemption, forgiveness and secrets revealed.

As always I love the magical realism in this book I want wallpaper that changes with my mood. This book is beautiful and lyrical and another hit for Sarah Addison Allen!
4 1/2 Stars

Faeries and other Supernatural Beings-Hush, Hush by, Becca Fitpatrick 3/28/2010
Hush ,Hush is another YA Paranormal Romance, this time instead of a vampire it is a fallen angel. It was a quick read and did keep me reading .The storyline moved along nicely and didn’t leave me with a cliffhanger even though this is #1 in a proposed series. There are of course some things that need to be explained but I’m assuming that will come in the rest of the series. All in all a good read although a bit predictable.
Recommend to fans of Twilight & Blue Bloods etc.
3 1/2 Stars

Great review for The Girl Who Chased the Moon. I loved her two previous books and was happy to discover my local library has just acquired copies of this book so hopefully I will be enjoying it soon!

Misc.Reading- At Risk by, Patricia Cornwell 3/28/2010
This was a re-read because they made a movie of this for Lifetime showing next month couldn't remember much.
This book is just ok not near as good as her Kay Scarpetta books!
3 stars

Magical Realism-The Garden of Eve by, K.L. Going 3/29/2010
What a beautiful unsung hero in the YA genre it has everything a ghost story, coming of age, dealing with grief and some fairytale/fantasy/magical realism elements thrown in.
11 year-old Evie doesn’t believe in magic anymore not since her mother died. After all if magic were real her mother would still be alive. But when Evie moves to Beaumont, NY where her father has bought a withered apple orchard that the townspeople whisper is cursed, she learns about a lost girl, receives a mysterious seed, and meets a boy who claims to be dead. Before long Evie finds herself in the middle of a fairy tale. And this one is real.
I really enjoyed this book it’s beautifully written and is a very believable work of magical realism. I pretty much read this book straight through and can see why it won the Michael Printz Honor. This book is beautiful and haunting and I would say a must read!
4 Stars

Recommended-Shoot the Moon by, Billie Letts 3/31/2010
This was a good book not the best but good. The characters are well written and the mystery of what happened all those years ago was a good one.

I however listened to this on audio and wasn't thrilled with Lou Diamond Phillips reading of it.Kippy sounded like Forrest Gump and he didn't seem able to do a woman's voice and a southern accent at the same time. So was disappointed in the audio version of this book.

That being said I did enjoy this one good southern fiction with a mystery and a little romance thrown in.
3 ½ Stars

1st Quarter Summary:
I Started Dec 15 2009 and going to Dec.15 2010 I’ve read 46 books. I have one category I haven’t even started yet if I don’t read something soon I may change it.
1) Classics 4/10-Favorite Woman in White

2) Cozy Mysteries 2/10-Favorite Dead Cold

3) Historical Fiction 7/10-Favorite Cleopatra’s Daughter

4) Faeries and Other Supernatural beings 7/10- Favorite Cry Wolf

5) 5-New Release,5-Non-Fiction 5/10- Favorite Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

6) TBR Pile 3/10- Favorite Still Alice

7) Foreign Translations 0/10

8) Series Already Started 5/10- Favorite Lord Sunday

9) LT Discoveries/Recommended 4/10 – Favorite Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

10) Magical Realism 3/10- Favorite The Girl Who Chased the Moon

11) Misc. Reading (Extra Category) 6/10- Favorite I’d still say the re-read of The Sugar Queen

I really need to read Sweetness at the bottom of the Pie and Woman in White this year since we seem to have such similar reading taste. I have heard great things about both...now off to find a copy of Sweetness!

Magical Realism- Elsewhere by,Gabrielle Zevin 4/2/2010
This book has been surrounded by alot of buzz and was recommended to me by alot of different people.
I found that I didn't like it as much as I expected to,don't get me wrong it was a good book I just don't think it was a great book.
The concept was an interesting take on the afterlife but there just seemed to be times when the storyline was a bit confusing.
I would recommend to Young Adult readers.
I would recommend the book Earthly Pleasures by, Karen Neches- I think it’s a better take on the afterlife
3 1/2 Stars

TBR Pile-Say Goodbye by, Lisa Gardner 4/2/2010
This was a very disturbing book and a little confusing I'm still not sure how many boys there actually were.
As always a well written mystery by Lisa Gardner this book will creep you out and keep you guessing.
Was nice to see Quincy & Rainie again although they were just barely on the edge of this story. Kimbery was well humanized as she struggles with her career and impending motherhood.
All in all a good although creepy read.
4 Stars

Series Already Started-Silver Borne Mercy Thompson #5 by, Patricia Briggs 4/3/2010
Wow what a great read!
I loved this book!The whole scene with Mercy &Sam at the beginning of the book- talk about raw emotion it was wonderfully written.And Sam's wolf was a great character funny to say but so much calmer than Samuel the man.

I enjoyed Adam & Mercy's playful side and the true love between them is refreshing without a third party screwing with it like so many books out right now.

I liked that they brought Bran in to help save Mercy I just love him!And liked the nod to Charles & Anna too.

Oh Heck I just loved everything about this book!

Some of my Favorite Lines from this book-

Page 57- Where does a werewolf sleep?Anywhere he wants to.

Page 131-I was probably being paranoid. The world didn't revolve around me, after all.Just because in the past year I'd had vampires,fae,and werewolves try to kill me at various times didn't mean someone was after me in the present

Page 189-Fourteen preteen girls, a tableful of werewolves-there were certain monstrous similarities.

5 Stars

Yay #50 half way done!! .A Brother's Journey:Surviving a Childhood of Abuse by, Richard Pelzer 4/8/2010 Non-Fiction
If you've read A Child Called It you should read this book. It is told from the perspective of David's younger brother Richard who was his mother's "Little Nazi" when David was in the home and after David was taken away he became It.
The things that went on in this home just boggle the mind I hope that something like this would not be able to happen in this day and age, that they took one child away and left the rest in the “care” of this insane woman is just unfathomable.
This story will break your heart as Richard deals with the beatings and mental abuse from his mother but also the guilt of his part in what happened to David. That any of these children grew up to be productive members of society proves the existence of the human spirit.
4 Stars

Josephine: A Life of the Empress by,Carolly Erickson 4/14/2010

When I got this book I thought it was historical fiction, when it arrived it said it was a biography. So I thought ok but even as I was reading it I wasn't sure if it was a novel or a biography, it definitely reads like a novel.

I guess I didn't know much about Josephine when I started this book but I always thought that Napoleon & Josephine had this great love story but according to this book that’s not the case.

It was ok it did read like a novel at first then got a bit boring towards the end where I just wanted it to be over.
2 ½ Stars

The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.trilogy might be better if you're looking for historical fiction about Josephine. I've heard a number of positive things about them.

Thanks I'll have to look into that one!

New Releases-Descent into Dust by, Jacqueline Lepore 4/21/2010
There are no sparkly vampires here! This is a good old-fashioned vampire story. Set in Victorian England Emma lives with the stigma of her mothers madness, she has been told her mother went mad and died but events take place that will make Emma question everything she has known and believed.

The cast of characters in the book was a nice mix from Emma’s needy sister, the rouge Sebastian, the secretive Mr.Fox, and the even more mysterious Father Luke. As they work together to save Emma’s niece Henrietta from what her parent’s believe is an imaginary friend but is actually something far worse he is a vampire. Not a beautiful fall in love with vampire but an evil presence that threatens everything they hold dear.

I enjoyed this book it had a nice mix of Victorian propriety and gothic mystery. Emma was an interesting character as we watch her grow into the person she must become which is a Dhampir a vampire huntress. We see her inner turmoil as everything she believed of her life is wrenched away from her.

I look forward to the next installment in this series.

Thank you Librarything Early Reviewers for the chance to review this book!

4 Stars

I changed a category from Foreign Translations to Southern Fiction.

Historical Fiction-Innocent Traitor:A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by, Alison Weir 4/24/2010

I started this book not knowing much of the life of Lady Jane Grey so on the historical accuracy I am no expert.
That being said I enjoyed this book Jane had a short and not very happy life. Her mother wanted a son and treated Jane badly because she wasn't a boy. She saw the life and death of many of Henry the 8th wives so even though she was "of the blood" it wasn't a very desirable life to aspire to.
After Henry the 8th death his young son becomes king and Jane's life is turned upside down. She is at first being primed to marry the new king but ends up married to a buffoon of a man whose father has big dreams for Jane to become queen and his son to become king.
Jane actually has no interest in being queen after all the queen’s deaths she's seen in her lifetime who can blame her.
I learned alot from this book and to me a good historical fiction book makes me want to learn more on the subject and this book accomplished that.
3 ½ Stars

Southern Fiction-Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits by Celia Rivenbark 4/26/2010

What a fun book! Laugh out loud funny!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I needed a light funny read and I sure got it with this one. Belle Weather is a tell it like it is southern gal who minces no words. My favorite line from this book has to be

“Just because the cat had kittens in the oven don’t make them biscuits”

And a chapter about her daughter reading Harry Potter instead of Nancy Drew called- Harry Potter Bitch Slaps Nancy Drew.

I will definitely be finding the rest of Celia Rivenbark’s books.
If you like southern humor fiction you’ll enjoy this one!
4 Stars

116> I have to get that book for my Mother! She would love it. I noticed one of the chapters is called "The Joys of remodeling Tara." LOL

*edited for grammar

Oh its definetly a good one! she's a character!

Southern Fiction-Savannah Blues by, Mary Kay Andrews 4/28/2010

This was a cute story about BeeBee Loudermilk who fell for and "investment councilor" or so she thought he ended being a con man and left town with all her money and sold her house out from under her.BeeBee sets out to recoup what she's lost at an old motel she finds out she still owns. Plus she works at tracking down the scumbag who stole all her money.

This was a fun quick read , cute southern fiction/chick-lit but a nice break from the heavier books I've been reading lately. I would say this is a "beach-read". This was my first Mary Kay Andrews I may read more but I will for sure check out her mysteries written in the name Kathy Hogan Trocheck.
If you like Janet Evanovich type books this is one you may enjoy.

3 1/2 Stars

Supernatural Beings-You Slay Me (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 1) by Katie MacAlister 4/30/2010

I am not a big fan of dumb, babbling heroines so this book was a little hard for me to get through. It also was not as funny as I expected it to be. Yes, there were some funny moments but those mostly came from the demon dog and not from Aisling. I didn’t like Aisling that much, yes, I know she didn’t know she was a Guardian and has a lot to learn but does she have to start out dumb as a box of rocks? Ok maybe I’m being too hard on her but she just annoyed me.

There were some things I enjoyed about this book and the biggest one being Jim the demon dog he was the best part of this book. Wait maybe he is the only thing I liked about this book.

Anyway, I won’t be running out to get the second book in this series, this book was just meh.

2 Stars

Misc. Reading- Kissing Doorknobs by, Terry Spencer Hesser 5/4/2010

What an interesting story. Tara is a young girl with undiagnosed OCD she feels crazy and her family thinks she’s crazy and her behavior is causing them to go crazy.
This was a fascinating look into the mind of someone with OCD how awful it must be to have these compulsions .

When Tara first hears ‘Step on a crack and break your mothers back’ it gets stuck in head and she cannot ever step on another crack and starts counting them.

The journey she goes on from there is so sad , her parents take her to doctor after doctor who continue to misdiagnose her everything from ADD, anger issues, and even anorexia because of the fact she has to line up all her food before she eats it.

She can’t leave the house without kissing each finger and touching each one to the doorknob 33 times when someone comes to the door she can’t stop to answer it but the man on the other side of the door ends up to be her salvation and she is finally given the correct diagnosis.

This is a work of fiction but is based on the authors own life. This is a must read for anyone who may know someone with OCD or is just interested in the subject.
4 Stars

Magical Realism- Re-Read-Garden Spells by, Sarah Addison Allen 5/4/2010

"Garden Spells" by, Sarah Addison Allen. What a great book very well written and a fun story that shows there's no place like home .It does have some fantasy aspects to it but even if you don't like fantasy you will enjoy this book, because the core of the book is the relationship between two sisters who find their way back to each other and become better friends than they ever were as young girls. It has delightful characters my favorite being cousin Evanelle and Sydney's daughter Bay. Would definitely recommend this book.
5 Stars

Southern Fiction-The Secret Life of Bees by, Sue Monk Kidd 5/5/2010
There are a lot of reviews of this book so I don’t know what I can add. However, I enjoyed this book it was a bit predictable but was well written and I couldn’t put it down. It’s full of strong independent women it will make you laugh and cry. I enjoyed all the characters my favorite being August.
If you like southern fiction this is a must read.
4 Stars

New Release-Allon Book 1 by, Shawn Lamb 5/10/2010

This was a good young adult fantasy but I would probably market it, as YA/Christian/Fantasy.There is a definite Christian feel to this book, which I don't normally enjoy although I did enjoy this book. I did however find it had way to many characters and it was hard to keep track of them all.

It is an epic battle of good and evil to save the “country” of Allon. The rightful King of Allon Ellis and the Daughter of Allon are to rule under the protection of Jo’Rel (God) with the help of the Guardians they are to battle the sitting King Marcellus who is using the Dark Ways of Dagar (The Devil) to stay on the throne. They talk a lot about a Great Battle in the past and I wish there would have been a prologue telling us a little more about that battle and who was who in it. Maybe then all the characters wouldn’t have been so confusing it felt like the author introduced a new character every page and you weren’t sure which ones you needed to remember for later. This may have been a 4 star book other than the fact of too many characters and it needs to be marketed as Christian fiction. I did like this book well enough to read the next book in this series.

I would recommend this book to Young Adults, Fantasy Lovers, and Christian Fiction Readers.

Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author

TBR-9 Dragons by, Michael Connelly 5/13/2010
Another great addition to the Harry Bosch Series. Harry ends up in Hong Kong with his ex-wife Eleanor because his daughter Maddie has been kidnapped. Things go from bad to worse as Harry's only thought is to get his daughter back.

This was an action packed race to find Harry's daughter .With its twists and turns along the way. From this story on Harry’s life will never be the same.
Loved it!
4 1/2 Stars

Magical Realism-The Ice queen by, Alice Hoffman 5/14/2010

I liked how this book started out but it seemed to fall apart in the middle with all the sex ,yes I know its supposed be a metaphor for her coming alive again. Her whole relationship with Lazarus was ok but I didn’t care about either of them and for it to work for me I have to care about the characters. You can only listen to her talk about the ice in her veins for so long before you scream Shut Up and Get Over it! Yes, your evil, your wishes come true blah blah.

The ending gave our narrator (she is never named) a little reprieve but it was too little too late. Not one I’ll be recommending.

I’m still not sure if I am a fan of Alice Hoffman I love magical realism but this one fell short for me I will try more by this author but I am hoping to find that one that makes everyone love Alice Hoffman’s books so much.
2 Stars

Series Already Started-Dead in the Family by, Charlaine Harris 5/15/2010

I enjoyed this addition to the Sookie Stackhouse series. I liked that Sookie was dealing with the events from the last book and it wasn’t swept under the rug. I was glad to see her and Jason getting closer again and acting more like brother and sister and to see Jason “growing up”.

Its kind of funny even though I have watched the True Blood Series I still see the people I’ve always seen in my head and not the characters from the show because “my Sookie” is different, which isn’t a bad thing it just kind of struck me while reading this.

I liked the growing relationship with Eric and how it is feeling more real and not just because of the blood bond or fairy attraction.

The whole storyline with Bill seemed a little rushed almost like an afterthought. It was like oh ya I suppose I need to write Bill in somehow. I hope there will be more to that story in the next book.

There was a lot less action in this one than in previous books but after what Sookie went through in the last book it was a good thing it was more character driven than action driven.

All in all another good book in this series.

3 ½ Stars

Misc.Reading-Made In The U.S.A.by, Billie Letts 5/19/2010

First off I was expecting southern fiction, which this wasn’t and it was much grittier than I expected it to be.
Lutie is not a very likeable character and it doesn’t get any better as things progress. Her brother Fate makes this book, he is precocious and adorable, wise beyond his years yet sweet and optimistic. I also liked the Vargas Family storyline.

This book is about two young children whose mother is dead their father has left them with a girlfriend who dies in Walmart (no spoilers its right in the book description) the kids take off to find their father in Las Vegas. In Las Vegas the two youngsters deal with homelessness, rape, child porn and drug addiction. This book can be disturbing at times. I was rooting for Fate to find a good family to live with and leave his sister by the curb. I’m sorry I know that’s mean but Lutie just annoyed me. Even in the end with its predictable ending I didn’t care because I still didn’t like her.
This book was ok but something about it just didn’t connect and it was pretty predictable.
3 Stars

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's-Queen Victoria Demon Hunter by, A.E. Moorat 5/22/2010

This was a fun book if a bit gory at times.It is very camp and humorous.
Set in the time of Queen Victoria and there are demons and zombies running around .
Queen Victoria is a pretty tough demon hunter, she can swing an ax with the best of them. I also liked the fact that the head of her Protektors is a woman and the best on her team is also a woman.This Queen Victoria is no girly girl she doesn't take crap from anyone and has a mind of her own!
The Supporting characters are great Quimby & Perkins will make you laugh.
The last 100 pages were filled with action and the ending makes you wonder if there will be another one,although the story is wrapped up well.
All in all a fun romp.
3 1/2 Stars

Full Disclosure:I recieved this from Goodreads Giveway Thank-you!

I enjoyed this one as well. I liked the strong women roles too, although I wished Albert had been a stronger character. Loved, loved, loved Perkins and Lord Quimby.

I haven't read any of those type of books yet - do you think the Queen Victoria Demon Hunter would be a good place to start?

Personally, I've found the books like Queen Victoria, Demon Hunter and Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter to be better than many of the mash-ups, which can be a little (or a lot) stilted.

Thanks Victoria, I'll add those two to my wishlist, the bookcovers always catch my attention and I've wanted to try them.

#130- Yep they were my favorite too alot of people have likened them to Wooster & Jeeves.(well, if jeeves was a zombie LOL)

#131-Yes the thing I liked about Queen Victoria demon Hunter was the high british camp of it.The humor of it made a fun read.

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's- Beautiful Malice by, Rebecca James 5/26/2010

I couldn’t put this book down! I had to keep reading this story grabs you from the first line and doesn’t let you go!
The Characters are great and the writing truly makes you feel their pain and happiness. I did figure Alice out early on but it didn’t stop me from being enthralled in this book and its characters. Alice will keep you guessing you know from the beginning that something awful is going to happen with her and that adds to the tension of the book. Our protagonist is Katherine and she is dealing with the death of her sister and is trying to figure out how to live with the grief and guilt of the whole situation. She is a character full of raw emotion and I felt for her the whole way through. The supporting cast is also great you feel for Robbie and yell at him to run away run away. But I’ve seen people in situations like this who stay with people who treat them bad and keep going back for more so for me it was very true to life.

I enjoyed the ending and was glad it worked out that way after everything these characters had been through.
This is a great psychological thriller I would recommend to Young Adults and Adults alike!
4 1/2 Stars

Full Disclosure- I received this book through Librarything Early Reviewers Program-Thank-You!

Historical Fiction-The Lady Elizabeth: A Novel by, Alison Weir 5/27/2010

I really enjoyed this look into the early life of Queen Elizabeth I. The author does take some liberties with the relationship with Thomas Seymour but it made for an interesting story. After reading this I looked up some real facts and think that Ms. Weir did a good job of sticking to actual historic events and added just enough fiction to make for a good story.

It does seem that Elizabeth was very lucky to have lived long enough to become queen, her sister Mary was known as the Bloody Queen Mary for good reason. It’s a good thing the monarchies of the present day have evolved enough to not kill off everyone to keep the throne!

This is my second Alison Weir book I first read Innocent Traitor and was glad I read that one first because this one gives a little more information from a different angle. I will definitely read more by her.

4 Stars

Southern Fiction-Deep Dish by, Mary Kay Andrews 5/30/2010

This was way more chick lit than southern humor.I didn't like this one near as much as I liked Savannah Breeze.
2 Stars

I enjoyed your review of The Lady Elizabeth. I've added that to my wishlist. I'm currently listening to David Starkey's non-fiction Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne on audiobook, and I'm finding the story of these early years very interesting.

Classics-Rebecca by, Daphne du Maurier 6/4/2010
Rebecca is one of my all time favorite movies I know I read the book years ago so I wanted to read it again because I couldn’t remember if I was remembering the movie or the book. And I found out it was both, this has to be one of the few books to movies that stays extremely faithful to the original work other than the ending of course. Honestly I like the ending of the movie better than the book.

I just love this story the whole misunderstanding of her thinking he loved Rebecca so much and she can never live up to that memory. And even though I know how it turns out I just love the reveal!

Still one of my all time favorite books and movie!
5 Stars

Series Already Startes-The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by, Alan Bradley 6/4/2010

Flavia reminds me of an amalgamation of Pippi Longstockings and the best of all teen detectives! I wish these books had been out when I was in high school because Flavia makes chemistry interesting!

Flavia is Precocious, humorous and a Genius a somewhat scary genius at times but one none the less. I saw an interview on Library Thing with Alan Bradley where he was asked how he imagines Flavia as an adult and he said either the world’s greatest Chemist or the World’s Greatest Criminal Poisoner and I have to agree with him there!

Flavia is believable because people tell her things without even realizing they have done so because she is a child they let their guard down.

This was a great story, it kept me guessing and I didn’t figure it out till Flavia did so that’s a great mystery!

I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!

4 ½ Stars

I loved Bradley's first Flavia book Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and I am looking forward to this one!

They are such a fun series you'll love this one!

I agree - Flavia is such a great character! I can't wait for this one.

TBR Pile- The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber 6/9/2010

This book is the perfect mixture of fantasy, myth and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though at times you wanted to throttle the characters and yell snap out of it! To me that show how much I came to care about these characters. I enjoyed the romance with it 19th century propriety. The myths these characters lived was really interesting although the ending felt a bit rushed I still found it satisfying. If you enjoy gothic, Victorian, fantasy, ghost stories and goddess myths this book is for you!

There is so much I enjoyed about this book that it’s hard to convey in a review suffice it to say I will be reading the next book as soon as I can!

4 Stars

Misc. Reading-Certain Prey by, John Sandford 6/10/2010
I went to read his new book Storm Prey and realized I had missed a few of the last ones and when I went and looked through the books I realized I was WAY behind on this series so am trying to catch up.
As usual an action packed look into the world of Lucas Davenport.Murders abound thanks to hitwoman Clara Rinker,who has proven to be Lucas' one that got away.A semi-cliffhanger ending but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Miss Rinker.
4 Stars

TBR Pile-The Higher Power of Lucky by, Susan Patron 6/13/2010
This was a cute book and typical newbery winner.Lucky's mother has died and her father who never wanted children recruited his ex-wife from Paris to come be Lucky's guardian.They live in the middle of the desert but Lucky thinks all Brigitte wants is to go back to France and stop being her guardian..Lucky eavesdrops on all the Anonymous Meetings and decides she needs to find her higher power so everything will work out.
I think all of you can see where this story goes.The unique town setting is what makes the story.
Cute Juvenile fiction.
3 1/2 Stars

Misc. Reading-The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by, Douglas Adams 6/15/2010
I read this book back in high school which was a long time ago and I forgotten just how much I loved this book!
The irreverent humour, the fun of it all. And to make this re-read even better I listening to it on audio read by the incomparable Stephen Fry he did a Fantastic job as narrator.
There are hundreds of reviews of this book out there so I will wrap it up by saying this series has once again hooked me and now I have to read them all and fast!
5 Stars

TBR Pile- Just Take My Heart by, Mary Higgins Clark 6/21/2010
Emily Wallace assistant prosecutor just got the case of a lifetime prosecuting Gregg Aldrich for the death of his wife the actress Natalie Raines. But even as she feels like she will win the case there is a small voice in her head or should I say heart that says he is innocent and her key witness is as untrustworthy as they come. And to top it off her next door neighbor is starting to really give her the creeps.
Poor Emily she really is oblivious to all the people that are out to get her and there are a lot. Of course you do figure some things out but the title kind of gives it away anyway but I liked how MHC handled the reveal.
I really enjoyed this mystery and legal thriller there was a difference in this one than with some MHC books, there was no romance I liked that it was just a straight foreword mystery/thriller, and well written as are all MHC’s books.

4 Stars

Cozy Mystery-The Cold Light of Mourning by, Elizabeth J. Duncan 6/22/2010

This was a good cozy mystery and a great start to what will hopefully be a series. I liked that Penny & Victoria, our amateur detectives, are not the town busybodies and into everyone’s business they are just everyday ladies that happen to figure things out.

The set-up for this is a bride disappears the day of her wedding has she runaway or has something happened to her. Penny & Victoria seem to be able to figure a few things out and tell the police who are happy to have the help since murders rarely happen in this quaint little Welsh town. Penny is also dealing with the recent death of her best friend and I enjoyed the budding friendship between her and Victoria and this first death really humanized Penny for me.

The cast of characters are well thought out and the actual town busybody Mrs. Lloyd is always a step behind. There is a bit of romance towards the end but it is a nice mature courting going on which I enjoyed.

Overall I enjoyed this book I think it’s a good first novel and look forward to reading more by this author!
4 Stars

Series Already Started-The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer 6/26/2010

I enjoyed this little novella/companion to the Twilight Saga.It was interesting to see theTwilight world through someone else’s eyes. Bree Tanner was one of the newborns made by Victoria to fight the Cullens and kill Bella, with the help of Riley she kept them in the dark literally and figuratively. It was sad that you knew the outcome of Bree's story because through this book you came to care about her and rooted for her to survive.
I am very curious about Fred now though and wonder if there will be a story about him coming? Maybe he made it to where Tanya's coven is?

All in all this was a good companion to this series.

4 Stars

Series Already Started- Sizzling Sixteen by, Janet Evanovich 6/27/2010

It must be summer now that I’ve gotten to read a new Stephanie Plum novel!
This time its Vinnie who is in trouble and Stephanie, Lula & Connie set out to save him and the bailbonds business. Of course, she has Morelli and Ranger to contend with and things do tend to heat up! Grandma is back and as fun as ever and we also see the infamous Mooner back with a pretty good size part in this story. Connie has a much bigger part in this story and gets out from behind the desk to be the third musketeer or is that mouseketeer and with those two on her side Stephanie has her hands full as they deal with skips, psychopaths and alligators.

I enjoy this series so much it makes me giggle and it is a light summertime read that I look forward to every year! If you are looking for fun escapism and a good laugh you should read this series!

4 Stars

I hear nothing but good things about this series! I have them on my wishlist, but never seem to get around to getting and reading one. Maybe sometime this summer, as they do sound like a great summer read.

Yep they are a great summer read!They are really fun!

Southern Fiction-You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by, Celia Rivenbark 7/15/2010

If you like Southern Humor you have got to read Celia Rivenbark's books I really enjoyed this book, I listened to it (twice actually) on audio its read by the author. It is laugh out loud funny she has a way of telling a story that has commentary on life told in an irreverent funny way. I loved the chapter about faith based toys, and when she is talking about listening to Flo Rida and pronounces it Florida just to bug her daughter. Every chapter will make you laugh and you'll see people in your life or things in world from a different view.
If you like humor and especially southern humor read this book and everything else this author has written!
4 Stars

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's The Quickening by, Michelle Hoover 7/2/2010

This not a happy book it is dark and thought provoking. It is beautifully written and almost has a gothic feel to it. It is set somewhere in the Midwest (I am from North Dakota so in my mind that is where this took place) and spans from 1913-1950 and tells the story of Enidina & Mary neighbors on the plains yet different in every way.

I don’t think these women were ever friends. Enidina is a hardworking farmer‘s wife who grew up with brothers on her family farm so is no stranger to hard work. Mary is a soft woman who really does not know who she is and I didn’t like her very much.

I liked Enidina she had a good character and she was a good person. The story goes through their lives from children, to the great depression to all the major things that happen in the span of a life.
I liked this book, though it is a dark study into the human character.

There were times when it had the same feel as The Reliable Wife which is a book that really stays with you after you’re done and this book is definitely one of those books. I liked the two different viewpoints because it really showed you how different these women are, which I don’t think it would have been as good with only one persons point of view.
Highly Recommend!
4 Stars
Full Disclosure I received this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's Infinite Days by, Rebecca Maizel 7/18/2010

Lenah is a 500 year-old vampire who longs to be human her maker Rhodes has found a way to make that happen, unfortunately it involves him dying and her being buried for 100 years. When the 100 years is up he digs her up enrolls her in a fancy private school and dies.

The thing I disliked was her ability to adapt so fast to the new world, the world has changed a lot since the early 1900’s till now. Yes she needed to learn to drive ok but cars didn’t freak her out even a little bit? Or the technology she seemed to pick up immediately considering when she went into hibernation there wasn’t even electricity? I know she was very smart in her day and could speak 25 languages and was very book smart but the world has changed so much it was just unbelievable how well she adapted.

I liked the premise of this book and the story was good and I would read more from this author. I liked the ending and liked the fact that it is a stand-alone. But overall this book was just ok it’s a good read but the things I wrote above just bothered me so that brought the rating down if she would have delved more into Lenah learning all the new things I think it would have been better.

3 ½ Stars

Full Disclosure- I received this book from The Goodreads Giveaway Program

Faeries and other Supernatural Beings-Keys to the Repository by, Melissa De La Cruz 7/28/2010

This is a great companion to the Blue Bloods Series! I loved the backstory on all the characters and cannot wait for Wolf Pact and Misguided Angels.

It was really interesting to get the little snippets of stories from a different point of view and the between the books insight.

The thing I like about this series is the premise, it is fresh and innovative and a great take on history. And this book gave us (fans of the Blue Bloods Series) even more to chew on while we wait for the next book and the new spin-off series with Bliss.

I liked the humor some of the records have like in Kingsley’s records where he puts in how gorgeous he is and Renfield believes the records are tampered with then an aside by Kingsley to say yes indeed he did tamper with them.

I do however wish the map on pages 162 & 163 would have been a one-page map as it is hard to read with the crease in the middle of it.

All in all this is a great companion to the series even if only to refresh your memory of what has happened in the previous books.

4 Stars

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by, Lola Shoneyin 8/9/2010

This books setting was new to me I don’t think I’ve read any fiction from Africa. This is the story of Baba Segi and his 4 wives and their children. His newest wife Bolanle has not been welcomed with open arms by is other wives. In fact they make life downright miserable for her.

There were times in this story where I was a bit confused as to who was talking. It changed POV very often and wasn’t always clear who the new narrator was.

Other than that I liked this book it was a good story even though I figured out ‘the secret’ before the people in the book did. It was quite the comeuppance for these wives after all the hurt they had caused Bolanle and others.

When I requested this book I thought it was historical fiction but it is set in modern times I don’t know enough about the setting to know if plural wives are common place or even if they are legal. But this was a very interesting story of the lives of this family.

I would recommend this book it is a good story even though I didn’t like a lot of the people in it as they are all extremely flawed by their past. I however did like the story and would read others by this author.

3 ½ Stars (This book would have been 4 stars if it was less confusing by the changing POV)

Full Disclosure: I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program

Southern Fiction- Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank by, Celia Rivenbark 8/20/2010

I love love love this woman’s books her humor is so good! She just tells it like it is in the chapter for the title of this book she writes about when her daughter grows up from 4-6x to size 7-16

"There must be some mistake," I said. "These are, well, slutty-looking. I'm talking clothes for a little girl in first grade."

"Thats all we got."

"But these look like things a hooker would wear!"

She smiled sadly. "You have no idea how many times I hear that every day."

I enjoy the way she sees life and agree with her on most of what she writes, I wish I could put it as well as she does! She tackles everything from celebrity moms to the anti-carb movement to bin laden. No subject is safe and Celia Rivenbark will tell it like it is no matter who get offended and I love that about her, like she say I write a humor column not a news story.

If you enjoy humor (i.e. Dave Barry) or the wit and wisdom of your southern outspoken aunt this book is for you al her books are hilarious I highly recommend them when you are looking for a laugh and some light-hearted reading
4 ½ Stars

Faeries and Other Supernatural Beings- Shiver by, Maggie Stievater 8/25/2010

This was a unique take on the werewolf myth. To me they were more like shifters than werewolves, with an interesting twist.

When Grace was young wolves attacked her; one of the wolves saved her and got her to safety. But from then on she has a fascination with the wolves in her woods. One wolf in particular always catches her eye, the one with the eyes that seem to see right through her. She always has a feeling there is more to the wolves than meets the eye. When one day her suspicions are confirmed.

Sam the wolf with the eyes that watch Grace ever since he saved her as a little girl he has watched over her. Sam the boy who was shot as a wolf becomes human and Grace saves him this time.

You can probably guess the romance starts from there. But how many wolves are there and what became of the boy who was recently bitten his body is missing from the morgue. And how is it that Grace survived her attack without becoming a wolf?

I really enjoyed this book I actually ended up alternately listening to this on audio and reading the book, because when I couldn’t listen to the audio I wanted to keep reading this book. The audio narration was really good alternating back and forth between the two voices. This book was well written and I will be moving on to the next book in this series.

4 Stars

Hi Susie, Shiver has been on my wish list for quite some time now, sounds like I should make plans to read this one soon!

Classics-Jamaica Inn by, Daphne Du Maurier 9/8/2010

What a great gothic mystery! Daphne Du Maurier sure knows how to write these kinds of books.

It’s one of those books where you’re yelling at the heroine because you think you’ve figured out just who the real bad guy is and she hasn’t. Mary is strong willed and is all alone there is no one to help her when she ends up at Jamaica Inn after her mother’s death. Jamaica Inn is no place for a young lady ,carts and people come and go in the dead of the night and Mary’s once beautiful and bubbly Aunt Patience is a shade of a woman now. She is timid, jittery and scared all the time. Her Uncle Joss, Patience’s Husband, is a gruff ne’er do well who is into all kinds of illegal activities. As Mary tries to find an ally to help her get her aunt out of this awful place and away from her husband, but is she trusting the wrong people? Will the right one save her in the end? Or will she save herself? I loved the atmosphere the moors the lonely roads the empty inn all just made for great gothic fiction!

I love Daphne Du Maurier Rebecca is one of my all time favorites I liked this one much better than My Cousin Rachel. So far this is my second favorite Daphne Du Maurier book.

4 ½ Stars

Mysteries-The Neighbor by, Lisa Gardner 9/23/2010

A young mother disappears without a trace; her husband comes home to find his daughter sleeping and the rest of the house empty.

As usual Lisa Gardner gives us another edge of our seat thriller. This was another semi-creepy one; it hops back and forth between narrators telling each persons story which I liked because it that keeps you guessing all the way through. She also brings back a character from the past and when you figure it out and a certain name is mentioned **No Spoilers** it will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

The thing that keeps this from being a 5 star book is the police procedure, which I was a little disappointed in Sgt. DD Warren, is on the case and she is so intense and set on proving the husband did it. I don't remember them checking the bus, train, plane stations checking with cab companies or anything to see if Sandra just ran away. She was just so intent that the husband killed her it didn't seem like she wanted to explore any other avenue.

The ending will shock you the characters will surprise you its everything you would expect from Lisa Gardner.

4 Stars

Southern fiction-Salting Roses: A Novel by, Lorelle Marinello 10/16/2010

I so enjoyed this book I read it in a day. This is the story of Gracie Calloway who was found on a doorstep in Alabama and raised with love by the people she was left with who thought she was their niece. They didn't have much money and Gracie was treated pretty badly as a child by other children whose families looked down on her. (No Spoilers it’s on the back of the book) Gracie is now 25 and happy with her life and family when she finds out she was kidnapped and is the heiress to a fortune.

This book is about making choices and what it really means to be family. I loved all the characters in this book with Artie being my favorite. There is a little romance, which I thought was a cute love story. But it is mostly about discovering who you are versus who you were meant to be. How would you deal with these life-changing events if you were in Gracie’s shoes?

Gracie is a strong stubborn woman set in her ways taking care of everyone around her but not thinking much about herself. I liked that she was a tomboy and played baseball, she has flaws and low self esteem and you will cheer for her to find her true self.

I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy southern fiction and great characters.

Thank you so much Library Thing Early Reviewers for the chance to read this book!

4 1/2 Stars

Non-Fiction-Little Madhouse on the Prairie by, Martion Witte

This is the story of Marion the child who grew up in a farmhouse in North Dakota; it was far from a happy home. It is also about Marion the grown-up dealing with the after-affects of being abused. What sets this book apart from other books about abuse is it doesn’t detail all the abuse she suffered, yes she tells us about some of it, but it is more about her journey to recovery.

This book touched me in so many ways one, because it is set in my home state of North Dakota the farmhouse she describes is so much like the one my grandparents had although luckily for me our farmhouse was full of love.

The journey to self-awareness Marion goes on is powerful and heart wrenching, the pain she suffered at the hands of her mother, brother and alcoholic emotionally absent father follow her through everything she does even when she doesn’t realize it. As we go on this journey with her, to psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and even a shaman to help her deal with the demons left inside by years of physical and emotional abuse. We finally meet the amazing woman Marion becomes, because of what she has gone through. We see a woman who has come to self-realization, healing and forgiveness and came out of it a better person.

If you were touched by the books Child Called It or The Glass Castle this is a must read.

5 Stars

Full Disclosure- I won this book through Goodreads Giveaway

ARC-Wake of Forgiveness by, Bruce Machart 9/25/2010

Beautifully and lyrically written but very dark. I had trouble getting into this book at first because it was dark and depressing but the writing was so beautiful that I kept reading and I’m glad I did. In the beginning I didn’t think I’d feel compassion or empathy for anyone in this book but that changed as the book progressed.

Vaclav Skala and his boys are alone since the death of his wife when she gave birth to Karel. People say Vaclav was a good man when he was with his wife but we don’t see that man we see a cruel man without feeling who uses his sons as horses to plow his fields.

The story skips around in time from 1895-1924 at first this was a bit jarring but after awhile you come to understand the flow the author was trying to convey.

I don’t want to give too much of this story away because this is a book you need to “feel” as it unfolds. It is a story of family, abuse, loneliness and lastly forgiveness. It is beautiful and haunting, dark and lyrical and worth reading. This may not have been a book I would have picked up but thanks to B&N First Look I read it and am glad I did. I would say to those who may think this isn’t their cup of tea to go ahead and give it a try the prose will grab you and the characters will stay with you even if you don’t like them.

4 Stars
Thank-You B&N First Look for the opportunity to read this book

historical Fiction-Soldier's Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson by Sheila Solomon Klass 10/17/2010

This was an interesting biographical fiction. These stories of women dressing up as men to fight in the war always fascinate me, but for some reason this one took me awhile to read. I don't know if it was the writing or me because the story was good and interesting but it just didn’t hold me it was to easy to put down. I would recommend it to young readers.

3 Stars

EDT:GRRR Touchstones

Cozy Mystery-A Hoe Lot of Trouble by, Heather Webber 10/24/2010

I enjoyed this book it’s a good cozy mystery. I enjoy Heather Webber’s writing it pulls you in and you’re hooked. This did remind me a bit of Diana Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear mysteries which isn’t a bad thing because I enjoy those too. I liked the character of Nina she is going through a divorce from her philandering husband , she kicked him out but he left her with his teenage son Riley who is going through some things of his own. I loved when she threatened to handcuff herself to him if he kept skipping school. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
4 Stars

TBR Pile-Fallen by, Lauren Kate 11/3/2010

This book was just ok for me. I feel like I’ve read it before it had the same formula so many Young Adult paranormal romances have right now Luce comes to a new school and of course falls for the boy who ignores her the most and treats her with revulsion yep that’s the boy I want! Blah. Maybe I’m over this whole thing or I’ve just read too many this year but this one just didn’t grab me at all.
Luce is an idiot for starters I didn’t like her at all the rest of the characters were just as bad and the only excitement was in the end and that was confusing, it never explained anything so Daniel & Luce have lived all these lifetimes before and when he kisses her she disappears?? Or Cam kills her? Or what Huh?? So they are fallen angels what angels?? Was the hint in class about Luce’s name is like Lucifer so the devil is a woman? Who are these angels? Do I care?

If you want to read a good re-telling of the fallen angels try the Blue Bloods Series by, Melissa De Le Cruz

2 and barely ½ stars

TBR Pile- Hatchet by, Gary Paulsen 11/18/2010

Why Oh Why have I waited so long to read this book. What a wonderful story of survival. Brian’s parents have gotten a divorce and now he has to fly to Canada for his first “visit” with his dad since the divorce. Unfortunately the pilot of the small plane he is in has a heart attack and dies, and so begins Brian’s story.

I see now why this is such a popular book at the library, Brian’s story is just amazing. I really liked this one and will now be recommending it even more than I had before. This is definitely a must read for teens and adults alike!
I listened to this on audio Narrated by, Peter Coyote he does a really good job.

5 Stars

Classic- A Midsummer Night's Dream by, William Shakespeare 11/19/2010

How do you review Shakespeare? I guess I can say this Play is my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. This has been reviewed by much better reviewers than me so I will just review the audio.

I listened to the full cast audiobook with musical interludes and it was really good. Narration is by 20 wonderful cast members from Naxos Audiobooks. I have always said Shakespeare is meant to be read out-loud so this was a treat like listening to a play of it with songs and sound effects.

If you get the chance to listen to this on audio you should do it!

4 1/2 Stars

Glad to see you enjoyed Hatchet, I read it with my grandson earlier this year and we both really enjoyed it.

Thanks I did. I am finally reading Pomegranate Soup

I hope you like Pomagranate Soup, I really liked that one!

Magical Realism- Pomegranate Soup by, Marsha Mehran 11/28/2010

What a beautiful magical book I want a restaurant like the Babylon Café in my town! I want to smell the baklava and the elephant ears and even the abgust, and it made me curious to taste pomegranate soup. I don’t think I’d ever find the ingredients but the recipes sound so good.

This book is set in the 80’s and is about 3 sisters who escaped Iran right before the revolution. They have been through much on their journey but have hopefully finally found “home” in Ballinacroagh Ireland where they have opened up the Babylon Café serving Iranian delicacies, not everyone in town is happy about the café but they soon have a core group of customers who will eventually become friends and family.

There are some interesting characters in this book I love Mrs. Delmonico and hated Thomas McGuire who is the self-imposed “king” of Ballinacroagh he is egotistical and a racist and is bound and determined to shut down the café.
I really enjoyed this book it is beautiful and lyrical and a great story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys magical realism & foodie fiction. If you liked Garden Spells you will enjoy this book

4 Stars

>175 susiesharp: I've had that book on my wish list. I picked up the author's Rosewater and Soda Bread, but it's in my TBR pile, but I really want to read Pomegranate Soup first since I think it's a prequel.

Oh thanks I didn't realize there was a second one I will have to find that one!

Had to catch up with all your good books. I also enjoyed Queen Victoria, Demon Hunter this year, and Du Maurier is always a treat. I need to re-read Rebecca soon.

Cozy mysteries/Mysteries-heat wave by, Richard Castle 11/30/2010

If you are a fan of the TV Show Castle this is a fun book , I listened to it on audio Johnny Heller does a good job but I did wish it had been Nathan Fillion. I think I like the TV show better than the book but I think even if you aren’t a fan of the show this is still an ok mystery. I enjoyed the relationship between Nicki Heat & Rook and can’t wait till the TV show catches up with this relationship.

It’s a bit predictable and not as good as the show as far as character development but when I pictured the actors on castle it made a better.

If you’re a Castle fan it’s a must read and maybe try it out if you like mysteries that aren’t too complicated. It does leave me a bit curious as to who the actual writer of these books is..My sneaking suspicion is he died this year.

***I just want to clarify I really like Johnny Heller’s narration I’ll be looking for more that he has narrated***

3 stars

I'd like to know who the author of Heat Wave is too, well wouldn't we all? I agree with you that the TV show is better, but the book is fun when you need a Castle fix. Will you be reading the sequel? I've got it down for my 11-11

I enjoyed it, too. And also agree that I like the tv show better.

Why do you think he died this year, Susie?

Yes I will probably read Naked Heat for my 1111 too.

The author I think wrote the heat books is Stephen J. Cannell they just kind of have his style to them unfortunatly he passed away this year .He also appeared in both of ther Poker games on Castle.

>182 susiesharp: That makes sense.

I've also heard James Patterson mentioned as a possibility. When I read the book, I wasn't thinking in terms of a "big name" writer -- just assumed that the script writer(s) had also written the book and thought they were better at scripts than at novels!

It didn't seem like James Patterson but then again which of his books are actually written by him anymore so it could be one of his stable of writers too.
I thought before I read it that it may have been the script writers too but it just kind of had a Cannell "feel " to it but that could just be me too.

I've read a few books by both Patterson and Cannell, but not for some time, so I don't think I would pick up on the style of either one.

That Cannell was in the poker games seems like a pretty good indicator -- why else would he be given a spot in the show? It will be interesting to see if a 3rd book is forthcoming, and if the style is different... though I suppose he could have had several underway or completed before his death...

I'll probably read the 2nd one sometime next year, too.

It doesn't feel like Patterson to me but I haven't read anything of his recently. I get turned off when I see a book with his name in huge type and then someone else listed down at the bottom really small. I just finished watching the last ep of season 2 last night and at the poker game, Patterson jibes at Castle "only one book a year?" It made me laugh. Would anybody be interested in a group read of Naked Heat next year?

I agree I'm a librarian and am about broke just buyng his so called books he has had 5 in the last 2 months no way is he writing them all!

Sure that would be fun!

I know it's not a new concept (I still vividly remember when I found out Alexandre Dumas had a ghost writer)... but 5 books in 2 months is ridiculous!

I'll make a note in the 11-11 "group reads" thread for Naked Heat. I don't have any particular time frame in mind...

Ya I have to buy them but I stopped reading him awhile ago. I wish I could boycott him but my patrons would probably boycott me LOL.

Whenever you want to do it works for me.

Cozy Mystery Trouble in Spades by, Heather Webber 12/3/2010

This second book starts off right where the first book ended with the impending wedding of Nina's siter Maria,the problems start when the groom goes missing, and the dead bodies start piling up. Of course with dead bodies comes dealing with her cheating ex which leaves Nina feeling a bit out of sorts.

This is a fun cozy mystery the supporting charcters are so funny I love her neighbor Mr.Cabera & his girlfriend Brickhouse Krauss, we also get to know more of Nina's family in this one. Nina's sister Maria is a spoled brat and at times will get on your nerves but she also had me laughing alot.

I did figure this one out awhile before Nina did but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book and looking forward to the next one.

If you like Stephanie Plum or Goldy Schultz you'll enjoy this series.

3 1/2 Stars

Southern Fiction-A Redbird Christmas by, Fannie Flagg 12/5/2010

This was a very nice christmas story that went beyond christmas, it was actually 2 christmas', and the year in between them.

Oswald T. Cambell so named for the can of Tomato soup that was in his basket at the orphange he was left at has just recieved some bad news from his doctor who tells him to get out of Chicago and head south. He ends up in Lost River Alabama after his doctor gives him an outdated brochure for a health spa that turns out burned down over 20 years ago. But what he finds is a quaint little town with more women than men. the town is full of chracters and grocery store owner with a pet redbird.

This was a fun little book I don't always enjoy christmas books that are too sweet & sappy this one had just the right amount of both along with a really good story, Fannie Flagg has written a heartwarming, humorous story that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you like southern fiction.

4 Stars

>191 susiesharp: I read A Redbird Christmas a few years back, and it still remains one of my favorite Christmas books.

I think its definitely up there pretty high on my favorite christmas books too!

Classics- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
12/8/2010

There are so many reviews of this book that I don’t know what I can add other then I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing and the characters and by that I mean I liked them, cared for them, was annoyed by them, was mad at them, and was frustrated by their actions but that is to me what makes a great book!

**********Possible Spoilers**********

Jane at times can be so strong and independent and others so simpering. I am one who feels sorry for Edward when Jane leaves him yes, yes I know he treated Adele horribly but I felt like he was a victim of his circumstance, I know, of his own making and yes he should have been honest with Jane and worked out some way to rid himself of the crazy woman in the attic.

After Jane leaves and comes to Moor House she is so strong and then after events there I feel she kowtows to St.John way more than she ever did to Edward I don't like their relationship at all! He is so controlling, and she lets him be, she’s become so wimpy all of sudden. I understand her wanting family and all that but you don’t have to acquiesce to everything just to be family. I don’t think I like St. John much. Finally after he proposes marriage she finds herself again! Then he tries to fool her into this whole God’s will crap UGHH. I was so glad when that part was over.

And as most readers that are fans of this book I loved that she went back.

I listened to this on audio narrated by, Juliet Stevenson and I thought she did a great job!

4 ½ Stars

One of my very favorites! I'm glad you enjoyed it. And yes, even though Jane has a "simple" life, she rides an emotional rollercoaster.

Cozy Mysteries/Mysteries-Digging Up Trouble by, Heather Webber 12/10/2010

As usual Nina Quinn seems to be a magnet for dead bodies. And she is still struggling with which man she wants to be with.

There were times in this book that I felt I missed a page but didn't; like when her and Ana were gong to go find out about Jean-Claude and they find out about the accident then the next page its the next day and she's at work without telling us what happened the night before it was a bit confusing. And the ending was very anti-climatic and felt rushed. I guess she made her decision but it was never explained and I felt a bit cheated especially since this is the last book in this series. There just seemed to be alot of holes in the story and alot left unexplained.

3 Stars

Southern Fiction-the Kitchen House by, Kathleen Grissom 12/13/2010

This was a very good well written story it is sad but there was a lot of sadness for slaves. It is set in the late 1700’s & early 1800’s. Lavinia is an Irish immigrant whose parents died on the trip over so Lavinia is taken by the Captain as an indentured servant to pay-off the trip. She is dropped off at the kitchen house with the slaves. Mama Mae takes her in and raises her as her own and Lavinia grows up being well loved by the family in the Kitchen House. This book is told in alternating chapters by, Lavinia & young slave girl Belle.

The characters in this book are so well written you care about all of them. Except Rankin but you hate him because he is written as so revolting! This book was just so wonderful, it shows that family isn’t blood and that blood doesn’t make you family. This book was at times so heartbreaking and may make you cry! Everyone in this book goes through their share of hardships and it isn’t a happy book but there is just something about the story that is beautiful. I just don’t know how to express it but to say I loved this book!

I listened to this on audio narrated by, Orlagh Cassidy & Bahni Turpin it was wonderfully done both narrators bringing these characters to life.

5 Stars

A little elf whispered in my ear that The Kitchen House is one of the books I'm going to be getting for Christmas. After that wonderful write up, I am really looking forward to reading it!

I think you'll enjoy it. I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it!

Well I'm not done but I have a feeling these Best & Worst won't change. I'm probably not going to finish my Magical Realism Category there just wasn't much out there for them this year for me but some that I had as possiblities are still on my TBR pile maybe I'll get to them in 2011.

Best & Worst by category:
Classics:
It’s a toss up between Woman in White by, Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by, Charlotte Brontë since Rebecca was a re-read.
No bad ones here!

Cozy Mysteries:
Best-Cold Light of Mourning by, Elizabeth J. Duncan
Worst-Evan Blessed by, Rhys Bowen

Historical Fiction
Best-Cleopatra's Daughter by, Michelle Moran
Worst-Pompeii by, Robert Harris

Faeries and other Supernatural Beings
Best-Cry Wolf by, Patricia Briggs
Worst-You Slay Me (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 1) by Katie MacAlister

New release
Best-Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by, Beth Hoffman & The Poacher's Son by, Paul Dioron
No Worst

Non-Fiction
Best-The Glass Castle by, Jeannette Walls & Little Madhouse on the Prairie by, Marion Witte
Worst-Josephine: A Life of the Empress by, Carolly Erickson

TBR Pile
Best-Still Alice by, Lisa Genova & Hatchet by, Gary Paulsen
Worst-The House on Tradd Street by, Karen White & Sam's letters to Jennifer : a novel by, James Patterson

Southern Fiction
Best- All the Celia Rivenbark books & The Kitchen House by, Kathleen Grissom Salting Roses: A Novel by, Lorelle Marinello
Worst- Deep Dish by, Mary Kay Andrews

Series Already Started
Best- Silver Borne by, Patricia Briggs
No Worst

LT Discoveries/Recommended/ARC's
This was a really good category so the good ones were- Beautiful Malice by, Rebecca James- Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by, Alan Bradley-the Quickening by, Michelle Hoover
Worst- Whose Body by, Dorothy Sayers

Magical Realism
Best- The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen & Pomegranate Soup by, Marsha Mehran
Worst-the Ice Queen by, Alice Hoffman

misc. reading
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by, Beth Hoffman & The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by, Douglas Adams

Classics-The Custom of the Country by, Edith Wharton 12/16/2010

I really enjoy Edith Wharton’s writing this one has some good lines that made me giggle and Undine’s attitude towards life and other people is laughable.

Undine is a social climber of the highest form she even goes so far as to call it her career. And that every bit of unhappiness she goes through is someone else’s fault and everyone is out to get her. She finds out that climbing up isn’t always better. And she is never satisfied!

As much as Undine is not a very good person she is written so well I couldn’t help but like her even if she is supposed to be so unlikable. Or maybe I just enjoyed her story more than I liked her I don’t know I do know I really enjoyed this book! It was so funny to me how really delusional she is at times. I just enjoyed the character of Undine so much and also Moffatt I knew whenever he came in the picture fun things were going to happen or at least some great lines! This is set in such a time when society was hilarious a bunch of highbrows or at least they thought they were and Undine’s quest to fit in with the “right” crowd made for a great story.

This is my second Edith Wharton book and I have enjoyed both of them very much and plan to go on to read everything she’s written!

I listened to this on audio narrated by, Grace Conlin who does a very good job at the narration.

4 Stars

Classics-Holiday Classics by, O Henry The Gift of the Magi The cop and the Anthem The Last Leaf
12/17/2010

I got this free from audible I loved the Cop and the Anthem it was narrated by, Kathrine Kellgren I wish she would have read the Gift of the Magi too!And The Last leaf I don't remember reading before so enjoyed that one!

I may still read House of Mirth before the end of the year too.

EDT:GRR Touchstones on the last leaf are being all wonky

cozy Mystery-Murder is Binding by, Lorna Barrett 12/18/2010

I enjoyed this cozy mystery; this is the first in the Booktown Mystery Series. I enjoyed the bookish themes and mentions and the main character has a cat named Miss Marple! The little town of Stoneham was dying out until Bob Kelly decided to bring in Booksellers of every kind to fill the stores in this quaint town. Our main character is Tricia Miles who owns the Haven't Got a Clue mystery bookstore. This quiet hamlet is buzzing along beautifully until the owner of The Cookery is murdered, and Tricia is the main suspect. Since the police aren't looking for any other suspect Tricia along with her high maintenance sister decide to solve it themselves.

This is the first in the series so there is alot of character development to introduce us to the characters. Tricia recently divorced living her dream of owning a mystery bookstore. Her sister Angela also recently divorced spoiled city girl shows up on Tricia’s doorstep even though the sisters have never gotten along very well.

I look forward to the next book in the series now that we know the characters I expect the rest of the series to pick up a little more. If you like cozy mysteries and books about books I recommend this book.

3 ½ stars

It seems like I read a book by Mary Kay Andrews and was completely unimpressed, but I can't remember which one it was. I loved Jane Eyre though. We read it for book group this year and everyone liked it.

Southern Fiction-Sweetie by, Kathryn Magendie 12/23/2010

This is a great book it has so many of my favorites tied into one-Southern Fiction, magical realism, and coming of age. It is a story of friendship, family, loss and life.

The friendship between Sweetie and Melissa or as Sweetie calls her Miss Lissa is so beautiful 2 children from very different backgrounds become the best of friends and blood bound sisters. Sweetie is a mountain girl who believes the mountain ways and her and her mother are the talk of much gossip in town. Melissa’s family moves around a lot her mother is very OCD about her house and writes poems about each meal she makes, her father is a scientist and a writer and they are both very removed from their daughter. Sweetie’s mother is a sickly woman who stays in bed all the time while Sweetie takes care of her.

This book is beautifully written and the Mountain is as big a character as the people. I loved these girls and was able to picture this book in my head so well because the descriptions of everything are so great. I don’t want to give to much away because to read this and discover all there is to know about these girls is something everyone should enjoy.

I highly recommend this book to fans of southern fiction, magical realism and coming of age stories and really anyone! I plan on finding anything else this author has written I truly enjoyed her style of writing.

5 Stars
GRR why don't touchstones want to work for me???

Cozy Mystery--A Highland Christmas by, M.C. Beaton 12/24/2010
Fun christmas cozy! I really enjoyed it and will be looking into more of this series!

3 1/2 Stars

Magical Realism-Eva Moves the Furniture by, Margot Livesey 12/26/2010

Eva Moves the Furniture is a very interesting book. When Eva is born her mother dies, her aunt and a father, who misses his dear wife desperately, raise her. Eva is a lonely child and is often visited by two companions, as she calls them, a woman and a young girl. The book details her life and how the companions affect it.

This was a really good book you really come to care about Eva and it keeps you guessing as to just whom these companions are. The story goes through the Second World War where Eva is a nurse in Scotland during the air raids and what they went through during those times. I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say this book grabbed me and didn’t let me go. I highly recommend this book!

4 ½ Stars

Magical Realism- The Forgotten Garden by,Kate Morton 12/28/2010~~~Some may say this isn't magical realism but it had that feel for me so I am counting it as such for this challenge!

This book has a magical realism feel to it, it may be because of the fairytales being told throughout but I really enjoyed this beautiful story. It is a hard book to classify so I’m not going to pigeon hole it anywhere. I enjoyed the 3 different generations of women in this story and how their stories intertwined. This book is about family secrets and of how that affects generations. It spans from England to Australia in the early 1900 to the 2000’s. With each generation of women finding something about the past while at the same time finding something about themselves in the process.

I did enjoy this book very much however towards the end though you just want to scream at Cassandra and say hello I figured it out why can’t you! This book can be very sad at times and some may find the jumping around in time not to their liking. But I like books that show different time periods so I enjoyed that part. The prologue has a definite magical realism feel. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

The fairytales are a great and I wish there was an actual book of these fairytales!

I listened to this on audio narrated by Caroline Lee who does a fantastic job with all the accents from English, Australian & American.

4 stars

>208 susiesharp: I'm a big fan of Kate Morton. I enjoyed The House at Riverton and liked The Forgotten Garden even more. Her latest book, The Distant Hours will be one of my first books of 2011.

Magical Realism-Bloodroot by, Amy Greene 12/31/2010

This was a very different story and kind of hard to review without giving the story away. It has a beautiful magical quality to it. The characters are all very flawed and the story jumps between time periods and narrators. It’s a family saga that spans 3 generations in the Appalachian Mountains.

The main focus is Myra Lamb whose parents died in a car accident when she is small and her grandma Byrdie then raises her, we hear the story of Myra’s parents and Myra’s life and the life of her children. Myra is a tomboy who loves the mountains and is always looking for her next adventure. She has a pretty good life until she meets and marries John Odom then things go downhill for her. The main part of the story is about her children Laura & John who do not have a very good life.

The story does keep you guessing about a few a things until the end and there are some storylines that didn’t seem to needed but then there are these coincidences you find out as the story progresses that lend to the magical realism of this book.

I did enjoy this book the whole feel of it is good although I must warn you it is not a happy story its sad and I wasn’t totally satisfied with the ending and kind of wished the characters had known what I knew about the coincidences. But all in all I would recommend this book if you like southern fiction with magical realism and family saga’s.

3 ½ stars

I don't know why touchstones don't want to work anymore!

I DID IT!!

I took me all year but I made it looking forward to starting my 11 in 11 Challenge!Hope to see you all there!

Congrats on the finish!

Thanks!!

Congratulations on completing your challenge! I'm looking forward to following your 11 in 11 thread.

Congratulations on completing the challenge!

Thanks you two!Looking forward to your 1111 challenge!

Happy New Year and congrats on finishing your challenge! Looking forward to see what you post in your 11 in 11 thread.

Congratulations!