What are you Reading in July 2012??? in 12X12 Reading Challenge

Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

July

Group/Buddy Reads
Take Me Tonight (#3) by Roxanne St. Claire (Bullet Catchers) (Kris)
✔The Secret (#1) by Julie Garwood (Highland Lairds) (MADIOAS) ★★★★
Untraceable by Laura Wright (MADIOAS)
✔Sanctuary by Nora Roberts (NR) ★★★1/2

Author Reviews
✔The Blacksmith's Lover by Heather Massey (already released) ★★★★
✔Deep Autumn Heat (#1) by Elisabeth Barrett (Star Harbor) (July 9 release date) ★★★★
Never Seduce a Scot (#1) by Maya Banks (Montgomerys/Armstrongs) (September 25 release date)
✔When Lightening Strikes (#1) by Brenda Novak (Whiskey Creek) (August 28 release date) ★★★★
✔Sweet Talk (#9) by Julie Garwood (Buchanan-Renard) (August 7 release date) ★★★★
Blackout by Annie Solomon (new digital release)
✔Lucky in Love (#4) by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor) (already released) ★★★★
✔At Last (#5) by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor) (June 26 release date) ★★★★
✔Forever and a Day (#6) by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor) (July 31 release date) ★★★★

Audiobooks
✔Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor ★★★★
✔Monkeewrench (#1) by P. J. Tracey (Monkeewrench) (M&S) ★★★ 1/2
✔Fade Away (#3)by Harland Coben (Myron Bolitar) ★★★★
☊I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Continuing Series
Sins of the Night (#8) by Sherrilyn Hunter (Dark Hunters)
Unleash the Night (#9) by Sherrilyn Hunter (Dark Hunters)
Run From Fear (#3) by Jamí Alden (Romantic Suspense Trilogy)
Forget Me Not (#1) by Marliss Melton (Navy SEALs)
The Defiant One (#3) by Danelle Harmon (de Montforte Brothers)
The Wicked One (#4) by Danelle Harmon (de Montforte Brothers)
✔Once Burned (#1) by Jeaniene Frost (Night Prince) ★★★★
Unlawful Contact (#3) by Pamela Clare (I-Team)
Dark Needs at Night's Edge (#5) by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark)
Dime Store Magic (#3) by Kelley Armstrong (Women of the Otherworld)
✔Simply Irresistible (#1) by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor) ★★★1/2
✔the Sweetest Thing (#2) by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor) ★★★★

Standalones
☞ On the Island by Travis Garvis-Graves

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 27 replies

Liz (Bugetta)

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That's quite a list, Jonetta!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Yeah, and probably not realistic. I'm reading the ARCs and group reads first...may not make much of a dent in the continuing series list.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Realistic expectations? Psssshhha... what are those? lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Haha! But, I'm having fun trying:)
I had an eight-hour road trip today so I was able to finish the audiobook Daughter of Smoke and Bone and begin Monkeewrench. I don't usually read YA books but selected this one at Monica's urging. It is a beautifully written story and I was quite surprised.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Hmmmm... You just gave me a great idea! We've got a long trip planned in a couple of weeks. Maybe I should pick out an audiobook for us all to listen to during the ride? I wonder what I could get that all four of us would like? What in the world am I saying? Me, Mom, and Daughter all like the same stuff... Husband can suffer. LMAO!
Twelve hours... I could fit in two books if I tried, couldn't I? Recommendations?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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My nephew was in the car, too, on the return trip so I switched to Harlan Coben's Fade Away and he really got into it. I think it is a GREAT idea for your trip! Mysteries always work well for me in a mixed crowd.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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I chose several audio books for a 24-hour round trip road trip with my sister, brother-in-law, and brother. Ended up with a mystery (hard to go wrong) and everyone was happy. I look at any road trip as an opportunity to "read." And if you're traveling with non-readers you can inspire them. My brother enjoyed it so much that while he's still not reading hard copy books, he's doing audio regularly.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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That's a great story! You're right about not going wrong with a mystery. It gets fun when everyone tries to assemble the clues and pinpoint the villain. Before you know it, you've reached your destination.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Karree: My favorite audiobooks of all time were the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I don't know if time travel and sexy highlanders are your thing, but I found it immediately grabbed my attention and still hasn't let go. And there are enough battles and machismo to even possibly kept your husband caught up in the story.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Leslie, I have a really huge problem trying to read books that involve time travel. My brain starts to over analyze and try to work out conundrums. I get so focused on that part that I totally lose sight of the plot. I'm terrible about it. Ugh. I even have problems watching movies with time travel.
I think we've decided to go with Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series. I played a bit from Hide and Seek for Mom and Husband, both immediately got into it.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Yay! This will be fun.
FYI. Don't let the time travel aspect deter you from reading Outlander. I, too, get brain cramps from the paradoxes involved with it and generally have avoided stories with this element. This wasn't the case here other than the woman gets thrown back into another era and the story takes off from there. It took me over a year and a half to start the book after downloading it as a Kindle freebie and then I couldn't put it down.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Karree I'm one of those time travel book non-lovers. I just don't think many do it well. It relies on us suspending our disbelief to an extreme which I find difficult. I read Outlander and found that one of my major beefs with TT where the woman goes back to medieval times was explained fairly well. I would recommend Lightning by Dean Koontz and Black Valley by Jim Brown though. I found both to be very well done.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Karree: Jonetta's point is a good one. Other than the beginning premise that a woman from the 1950s goes back into the 1700s there's no more time travel in the book. From that point forward she's simply living in the past. Given that the woman is a doctor she does make attempts to improve the sanitary conditions and diet and of course uses her medical skills to the best of her ability during a violent era, but the story itself is set firmly in its historic time slot and is full of a wonderful love story, family relationships, the search for independence, and so much more. I hesitated for years for the same reasons you are. That wasn't necessarily a bad move on my part because I was then able to immediately read the other books in the series.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Awesome! Thank you for the info, ladies! Knowing this I might have to put it on the TBR list. Thank goodness for Kindle samples. lol

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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Karree B, a book your husband may enjoy, too, is current - Unbroken by Lara Hillenbrand. About a man who was a runner before he enlisted to serve in WW2. He was captured by the Germans - the book is his story, and was excellent. I usually read romances but this book (I did have to skim in two places) was one I thoroughly enjoyed.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Awesome! Thanks, lady!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Finished Monkeewrench and Fade Away audiobooks and started I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I loved the narration of I've Got Your Number! I thought it was hilarious. I hope you enjoy it too. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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I LOVE this narrator, who brings this story alive! Thank you for the recommendation as I probably wouldn't have selected this on my own:)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Doesn't she just do a wonderful job capturing Poppy's character?? I was thrilled with her interpretation and have since looked for other audiobooks she's narrated but haven't found any that I'm inclined to listen to. I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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She really does. Poppy just seems fun and quirky because of her interpretation.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I have got to go check my library to see if they have the audio book on this one. Thank you for providing the feedback.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Oh, Jo, I hope your library does carry the audiobook. Funny, the eBook had a huge wait list and there wasn't one for the audiobook.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I had the same experience at my library which is how I ended up with the audiobook. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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They do have the audiobook - hooray!!!!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Yay! I hope you enjoy.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I hope you enjoy it, Jo!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Kristen (edited)

Books to Read:

Dance of the Gods- Nora Roberts
Secrets of A Summer Night- Lisa Kleypas
Survivor in Death- J.D. Robb
Harvest Moon- Robyn Carr Done
Long Time Coming- Sandra Brown Done
Dark Side of the Moon- Sherrilyn Kenyon
One Man's Art- Nora Roberts
Shiver of Fear- Roxanne St. Claire Done
The Golden Lily- Richelle Mead
Friday Night Bites- Chloe Neill Done
Sanctuary- Nora Roberts Done
A Kingdom of Dreams- Judith McNaught Done
Prince of Ravenscar- Catherine Coulter Done
Lover Avenged- J.R. Ward Done
Beauty and the Werewolf- Mercedes Lackey Done
Into The Darkness- Barbara Michaels Done
Alpha and Omega- Patricia Briggs Done
Cry Wolf- Patricia Briggs Done
River Marked- Patricia Briggs Currently Reading
The Unsung Hero- Suzanne Brockmann Done
Lover Enshrined- J.R. Ward Done
In Bed with a Highlander- Maya Banks

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 16 replies

Kristen

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Finished Lover Enshrined and am now reading Long Time Coming

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Long Time Coming which was a good book, now I'm gonna read Harvest Moon

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Harvest Moon and now reading In Bed with a Highlander

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen (edited)

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In Bed with a Highlander just isn't pulling me in right now... so I'm gonna put it to the side and read something else. I just got Friday Night Bites from the library :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen (edited)

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Finished Friday Night Bites and really love this series. I enjoy Merit and Ethan. Can't wait to read the next in the series, although it doesn't fit into the challenge... so I'm trying to hold off. Now I'm gonna start Sanctuary

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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I finished Sanctuary and also started and finished A Kingdom of Dreams and both were very good. Now I'm gonna read The Unsung Hero

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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So, I finished The Unsung Hero and went to the library because I thought they had one of my holds in (which they didn't) and wound up picking 4 books up that aren't even on my 12x12. I'm gonna have to figure out how to make them work. I'm waiting on all the books I have on hold to come in, so had to find something to read.. now to figure out which of these to read now. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Lover Avenged and now reading Beauty and the Werewolf

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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I finished Beauty and the Werewolf which was a new author for me and i loved it, a really good story. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Next I'm going to read another new author with Into The Darkness

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen (edited)

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Well, didn't get to start Into The Darkness yet, Started reading Alpha and Omega instead, finished it and moved onto Cry Wolf

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I love the Alpha and Omega series - hope you liked it

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Cry Wolf and have to say that this is another really good series by Patricia Briggs. Now going to read Prince of Ravenscar

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Prince of Ravenscar and it was another good book by Catherine Coulter. Now I'm gonna read Into The Darkness

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Into The Darkness, it was the first book I've read by this author. It was a good book, but not much happened until the end of the book when they told you who done it. Nothing much happened to the main character until the end, we spend most of the book reading about her working in the shop she just got from her grandfather.. The most that happened to her was a spooky phone call, her feeling like she was being watched.. A couple of rings that came in the mail.. (She's a jeweler). It was a good book, really it was.. just not as suspenseful as I expected it to be.
Not sure what I'm going to read, some books finally came in at the library (which I've been waiting for all month) so I'm gonna pick them up and figure out what to read.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Finished Shiver of Fear and enjoyed it, this series is really great. Next I'm reading One Man's Art

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Couldn't get into One Man's Art so I started River Marked instead.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Kate

First in the Series
I Scream, You Scream by Wendy Lyn Watson (book 1 in A Mystery A La Mode series)
Haunting Jordan by P.J. Alderman (book 1 in A Port Chatham Mystery series)
What's a Ghoul To Do? by Victoria Laurie (book 1 in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series)
Murder is Binding by Lora Bennett (book 1 A Booktown Mystery series)
Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates (book 1 in A Magical Baking Mystery series)
Stirring Up Strife by Jennifer Stanley (book 1 in the Hope Street Church Mystery series)

Mystery/Suspense
Immortal In Death (book 3 in the In Death series) Currently Reading

Time Travel
The Map of Time by Felix J. Palama
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Yesterday's Son by A.C. Crispin
Time For Yesterday by A.C. Crispin
Time Trap by David Dvorkin
The Three-Minute Universe by Barbara Paul
Watching the Clock by Christopher L. Bennett
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fjorde

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Lauren B (edited)

Keeping my list as short as possible this month because I'm playing Bookshelf Bingo and I'm not sure what I'll be reading.

July 2012:

Next in Series
Blaze of Memory / Nalini Singh - ✔ 5★'s
The Darkest Secret / Gena Showalter - ✔ 4★'s
About a Dragon / G.A. Aiken - ✔ 3.5★'s
Pride & Passion / Charlotte Featherstone - ✔ 4★'s

Leftover
Untamed / Pamela Clare
The Duke of Shadows / Meredith Duran
Ashes to Ashes / Tami Hoag
I'm Watching You / Karen Rose
Kiss of the Highlander / Karen Marie Moning - ✔ 4★'s
Never Too Hot / Bella Andre - ✔ 2★'s

Bookshelf Bingo
Eternal Hunter / Cynthia Eden - ✔ 4★'s
Crossroads / Moira Rogers - ✔ 3.5★'s
Kiss of a Demon King / Kresley Cole- ✔ 4★'s
Skykeepers / Jessica Andersen - ✔ 4★'s

Not on Original List
The Smoke Thief / Shana Abe - ✔ 3.5★'s
Riding on Instinct / Jaci Burton - ✔ 4★'s
Yvette's Haven / Tina Folsom - ✔ 4.5★'s
Scandal in Spring / Lisa Kleypas - ✔ 4★'s
When Beauty Tamed the Beast / Eloisa James - ✔ 4.5★'s
Shadow Bound / Erin Kellison - ✔ 3★'s
A Wallflower Christmas / Lisa Kleypas - ✔ 3.5★'s
Untraceable / Laura Griffin - ✔ 3.5★'s
Desperately Seeking A Duke / Celeste Bradley - ✔ 3★'s
Temptation & Twilight / Charlotte Featherstone - ✔ 4.5★'s
The Secret / Julie Garwood - ✔ 4★'s

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 32 replies

Linda C

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What is Bookshelf Bingo?

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Its a team challenge that one of my Goodreads group is playing.
Every week a GR bookshelf is chosen at random and the members of the different teams must choose and read a book from that shelf (everyone can read a different book). The shelf titles are organized into a Bingo card and the first team to read and review all books from shelves that line up on the card - wins.
It is a lot of fun and a great way to find new books and authors.
It is similar to Play Book Tag on Shelfari but there it is reading one book per tag per month.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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That sounds fun!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Melanie

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I like that idea! May have to wander over to check it out....lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Here's the link: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/919864-bingo-r5-discussion-thread
We are in week 4 of this round so it may be a while until someone gets bingo. Then they start the signups for the next round. It certainly helps with cleaning up the TBR.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Eternal Hunter - original and gritty world building, a steamy romance and a solid if predictable stalker plot.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished The Smoke Thief - good premise that completely fizzles out. The heroine has spunk but the hero is a manipulative jerk.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished The Darkest Secret - not as exciting as previous books and no progression in the story arc but the romance is sweet.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Pride & Passion - a decent sequel. It is difficult to warm up to the heroine but the hero is simply divine. The secondary couple are the highlight of the book and I'm really looking forward to their story.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Never Too Hot - the slow pacing, mundane romance and predictable plot remind me why I've more or less given up on contemporary romance.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Crossroads - the Southern Arcana world is intriguing and the plot premise good but the world building is not sufficiently developed and neither is the relationship between the H/h. This makes it difficult to engage emotionally with either the story or the characters.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Riding on Instinct which has a great opposites attract romance despite the predictable suspense plot, and Yvette's Haven, which I didn't think I would enjoy it but ended up being one of my favorites in the series.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Scandal in Spring - definitely the most hilarious book in the series. Matthew and Daisy are sweet, endearing and romantic.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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I loved this book. It was my second book ever by Kleypas and a definite favorite (enjoyed it more than Summer).

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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I also enjoyed it more than Summer, which is my least favorite in the series even though I loved Simon Hunt.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished When Beauty Tamed the Beast - loved, loved, loved this book. Piers is scarred and tortured but oh so sexy and Linnet is beautiful inside and out. Loved their snarky banter.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Oh my, you finished that super fast!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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It was so good that I could barely put it down for meals.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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I've just finished today and I loved it! Thank you for making the suggestion. I love the Beauty and the Beast story and this has become my favourite version.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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So glad you enjoyed it!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished - Shadow Bound - original premise but the world building and characters are not sufficiently developed.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished A Wallflower Christmas - a cute opposites attract romance and it was great catching up with the other Wallflowers.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Kiss of the Highlander - a worth addition to the series with some promising world building and a delightful romance.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Blaze of Memory - First book in which neither of the main characters is a Changeling but this does not detract, in fact, the book exceeded my expectations. Dev & Katya have an intense chemistry and their physical closeness and emotional intimacy is virtually tangible.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Untraceable - a fast paced and suspenseful plot with some clever twists and turns. The romance, however, is not sufficiently developed.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Skykeepers - This series improves with each installment. The Mayan mythology is intense and original, the world building detailed and intricate, and the characters complex and compelling.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished About A Dragon - The world building is weak and vague and although the plot has potential with secret assassins and interfering Gods, it ends up lacking substance.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Desperately Seeking A Duke - light and fluffy but nothing special.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished Temptation & Twilight - a good ending to the series. My guesses all turned out to be accurate (Yay!). Would have liked an epilogue to have closure on all the characters.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Finished The Secret - engaging characters and a sweet romance with a hunky highlander!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I love hunky highlanders

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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Me too!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Robin M (edited)

July 2012 Reading Plan:

Mystery/Suspense:
Breaking Point - Pamela Clare
✓ Ice Blue - Anne Stuart ★★★☆☆ 1/2
✓ Untraceable - Laura Griffin (MADIOAS) ★★★☆☆ 1/2
Hide in Plain Sight - Michele Albert (If I can locate my copy.)

Contemporary Romance:
✓ Promise Canyon - Robyn Carr ★★★★☆
✓ Otherwise Engaged - Suzanne Brockmann ★★★★☆

Historical Romance:
✓ A Lady Never Surrenders - Sabrina Jeffries ★★★★☆ 1/2
Only in My Arms - Jo Goodman
✓ When Beauty Tamed the Beast - Eloisa James ★★★★★
The Secret - Julie Garwood (MADIOAS) re-read

Not Planned:
✓ Time Was - Nora Roberts ★★★☆☆
✓ The Ice Princess - Elizabeth Hoyt ★★★★☆ 1/2

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

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Robin M

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Finished When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James. ★★★★★. Wonderful way to start the month!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Wow! 5 Stars. I'm going to have to check this out. I've been hearing so much about Eloisa James lately.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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It's only my second Eloisa James book, but I've liked them both.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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Yesterday I finished two books that I hadn't planned to read this month. The first was Time Was by Nora Roberts. It's one of her older category romances. A man from 2252 accidentally travels back in time and meets the woman of his dreams.
I also read a novella by Elizabeth Hoyt called The Ice Princess. It was about a secondary character who was introduced in her Prince Trilogy. I usually don't care for short stories, but this one was very good.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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Last night I finished Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr. It wasn't my favorite in the series, but still a good addition. ★★★★☆

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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Finished Ice Blue by Anne Stuart. ★★★☆☆ 1/2

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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I read Untraceable by Laura Griffin. ★★★☆☆ 1/2

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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This week I read A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries. It was a good ending to a very entertaining series. ★★★★☆ 1/2

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Robin M

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Finished Otherwise Engaged by Suzanne Brockmann. Fast moving story. ★★★★☆

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris (edited)

JULY PLAN (26/30)

BOOK CLUB (0/1)
-The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot

✔MYSTERY & SUSPENSE (1/1)
-Monkeewrench (Book 1) P.J. Tracey✔

✔MADIAOS (2/2)
-The Secret (Book 1)Julie Garwood✔
-Untraceable (Book 1) Laura Griffin✔

✔NORA ROBERTS (1/1)
-Sanctuary ✔

✔MY BOOK BOYFRIEND (2/2)
-Kiss of a Demon King (Book 7) Kresley Cole✔
-Untouchable (Book 8) (in Deep Kiss of Winter) Kresley Cole✔

NETGALLEY (6/7)
-A Secret Wish (Novella 1) Barbara Freethy✔
-Just a Wish Away (Novella 2) Barbara Freethy✔
-Big Sky Mountain (Book 2) Linda Lael Miller✔
-Moonglow (Book 2) Kristen Callihan✔
-The Line Between Here and Gone (Book 2) Andrea Kane
from June-Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine – Jayne Fresina -couldn't finish
from June-Pride and Pyramids – Amanda Grange✔

CONTINUING SERIES (4/5)
-Tall, Dark and Wolfish (Book 2) Lydia Dare
-Ice Blue (Book 3) Anne Stuart✔
-Immortal in Death (Book 3) – JD Robb✔
-When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Book 2) Eloisa James✔
-The Duke is Mine (Book 3) Eloisa James✔

FINISHING A SERIES (3/3)
-In Bed with a Highlander (Book 1) Maya Banks✔
-Seduction of a Highland Lass (Book 2) Maya Banks✔
-Never Love a Highlander (Book 3) Maya Banks✔

RANDOM LIBRARY BOOKS - Physical (1/2)
-Heather and Velvet - Teresa Medeiros
-Untamed Bride (Book 1) Stephanie Laurens✔ (AUDIO)

✔RANDOM LIBRARY BOOKS - e-Books (6/6)
-Loving Julia - Karen Robards ✔
-Nobody's Angel - Karen Robards✔
-Where Dreams Begin - Lisa Kleypas✔
-The Secret of the Old Clock (Book 1) Carolyn Keene✔
-Clouded Vision (Novella) Linwood Barclay✔
-The Goodbye Quilt - Susan Wiggs✔

READ
-Sanctuary - Nora Roberts 3.5 ★
-Loving Julia - Karen Robards 3★
-The Secret of the Old Clock (Book 1) Carolyn Keene 4.5★
-A Secret Wish (Book 1) Barbara Freethy 3★
-Just a Wish Away (Novella 2) Barbara Freethy 3★
-Big Sky Mountain (Book 2) Linda Lael Miller 4★
-Nobody's Angel - Karen Robards 3★
-Pride and Pyramids: Mr. Darcy in Egypt - Amanda Grange and Jacqueline Webb 3.5 ★
-Clouded Vision - Linwood Barclay 3★
-The Secret (Book 1) Julie Garwood 4.5★
-When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Book 2) Eloisa James 4★
-The Goodbye Quilt - Susan Wiggs 3★
-Ice Blue (Book 3) Anne Stuart 4★
-Where Dreams Begin - Lisa Kleypas 4.5★
-Untraceable (Book 1) Laura Griffin 3★
-Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine – Jayne Fresina -couldn't finish
-Monkeewrench (Book 1) P.J. Tracy 4.5★
-Untamed Bride (Book 1) Stephanie Laurens 4★
-Moonglow (Book 2) Kristen Callihan 4.5★
-Kiss of a Demon King (Book 7) Kresley Cole 4★
-Untouchable (Book 8) (in Deep Kiss of Winter) Kresley Cole 4★
-In Bed with a Highlander (Book 1) Maya Banks 4.5★
-The Duke is Mine (Book 3) Eloisa James 3.5★
-Seduction of a Highland Lass (Book 2) Maya Banks 4.5★
-Never Love a Highlander (Book 3) Maya Banks 4.5★
-Immortal in Death (Book 3) – JD Robb 4★

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 28 replies

Kris

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Will be starting Nora Roberts' Sanctuary tomorrow!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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My sister just gave me The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks so that is now on my TBR also. She really enjoyed it which was good to know as she doesn't tend to read a lot of biographies. Look forward to your review.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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That is good to hear, Christy! I will for sure let you know my experience with it.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished Loving Julia this morning and started on Nancy Drew's The Secret of the Old Clock.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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Kris and Christy, I thought it was a great book. It crosses so many genres. The author becomes an integral part of the story, so it's as much an autobiography as it is a biography. The science and ethics are fascinating. It's one of the best non-fiction books I've read in the last few years. I can't wait to see what you both think of it!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Thanks Liz! I'm looking forward to it.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished A Secret Wish and now on to the second novella Just A Wish Away. I am not a fan of a novellas but really enjoyed the 3 connecting stories. I am also reading physical book When Beauty Tamed the Beast.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished Just A Wish Away and I really liked the mystery aspect in the novella. Moving onto Linda Lael Miller's Big Sky Mountain (Book 2).

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I am now reading Nobody's Angel.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Now moving onto Pride and Pyramids: Mr. Darcy in Egypt - about 70% through the book and it is fun!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Snuck in Clouded Vision and now reading The Secret.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished The Secret and When Beauty Tamed the Beast. Now reading The Goodbye Quilt.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I am now reading Ice Blue

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished Ice Blue which I could not put down. I am liking this series better as I read each book. Now I am reading a Lisa Kleypas stand alone novel, Where Dreams Begin.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I finished Untraceable and am now reading Moonglow.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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How was Untraceable? I'm reading it next.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I liked it but I wasn't that into it - I will read the 2nd novel but not anytime soon. It was a bit flat.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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hmmm... I bought the first three books in the series in a bundle. I'm wondering if I might not regret that.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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It could just be me :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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I really liked Untraceable Lauren, though I was a little annoyed by the fact that the two main characters had shown up in a previous book even tho this book was a first in series. Grr. Argh.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Sort of went rogue this weekend and finished M&S group read Monkeewrench as it easier to read physical books at home than on the bus. Also finished listening to Untamed Bride this morning. I am still reading Moonglow.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished Moonglow on the way home and really enjoyed Daisy and Ian's story but Archer is still my fav. I finished Kiss of a Demon King this morning and am I loving this series. I've said it before but this series just gets better and better. I am now reading Murdoch's story Deep Kiss of Winter.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished Untouchable from Deep Kiss of Winter and now onto In Bed with a Highlander

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Finished In Bed with a Highlander and Duke is Mine. I am now unto Seduction of a Highland Lass.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris (edited)

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Finished Seduction of a Highland Lass and loved it as much as the first book...can't wait so read the 3rd book Never Love a Highlander. I am now reading Immortal in Death.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Warms my heart...you loving the McCabes AND reading the next In Death, which I think you'll really like.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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OMG I loved the McCabes. I am so glad she has another Scottish series coming up soon. I am only a few chapters in Immortal in Death and so far so good! Nice to read something different but just as good. Thank you for keeping me fabulous books!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I really liked Immortal in Death and am now reading The Line Between Here and Gone!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Geekius (edited)

★☆ ☊ ♥
Reading now
Wilde's Army Krystal Wade
Pushing the Limits Katie McGarry
Great Hexpectations by H. P. Mallory
Reading Plan
ARCs
June 26, 2012 Zero Visibility Sharon Dunn
July 24, 2012 Pushing the Limits Katie McGarry
July 24, 2012 The Covert Wolf Bonnie Vanak
July 31, 2012 OTHERKIN Nina Berry
July 31, 2012 Moonglow Kristen Callihan
August 01, 2012 Lady Can Never Be Too Curious Mary Wine
August 01, 2012 Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
August 02, 2012 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Read
The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/16360430/The-Art-of-Seducing-a-Naked-Werewolf/reviews/3653649
Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty ★★☆☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/4354097/Highlander-Unmasked/reviews/3653696
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/24026621/Once-Burned/reviews/3655381
Midnight in Death by J. D. Robb ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/83203/Midnight-in-Death/reviews/3654301
If you See Her by Shiloh Walker ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/23077007/If-You-See-Her/reviews/3660887
Once Bitten by Kalayna Price ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/5075895/Once-Bitten/reviews/3661445
Twice Dead by Kalayna Price ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/14023972/Twice-Dead/reviews/3661540
Tempest rising by Nicole Peeler ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/5748261/Tempest-Rising/reviews/3662233
Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/276035/Conspiracy-in-Death/reviews/3666096
Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent ★★☆☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/25879009/Shadow-Bound/reviews/3665291
If You Know Her by Shiloh Walker ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/23784548/If-You-Know-Her/reviews/3666635
Death Masks by Jim Butcher ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/55737/Death-Masks/reviews/3669533
To Kill a Warlock by H. P. Mallory ★★★★☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/16659017/To-Kill-a-Warlock/reviews/3684991
A Tale of Two Goblins by H. P. Mallory ★★★★★
http://www.shelfari.com/books/22633400/A-Tale-of-Two-Goblins/reviews/3685031
Lord of Fire and Ice by Mia Marlowe ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/26681622/Lord-of-Fire-and-Ice/reviews/3677317
Life and Laughing by Michael MacIntyre ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/17899207/Life-and-Laughing-My-Story/reviews/3674220
Finding Magic by Stacia Kane ★★★☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/29015366/Finding-Magic/reviews/3685645
Summer Nights by Susan Mallery ★☆☆☆☆
http://www.shelfari.com/books/26664760/Summer-Nights/reviews/3674921
Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty ★★☆☆☆

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 5 replies

Lady_Caella

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How is Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty ? That series has been on my TBr pile of ages...

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Geekius

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I've just finished. It was unfortunately rather dull. So far I've read four books out of the two trilogies (they don't really need to be read in order) and this has been my least favourite. The best one by far has been Jamie Campbell's story which was book one of the Campbell trilogy, Highland Warrior.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lady_Caella

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Hmmm...I have both trilogy by this author...I think I will start with Jamie Campbell's story then in the very near future.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Geekius

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Finished Conspiracy in Death That was an emotional one!
Also finished up the Ash Trilogy by Shiloh Walker. I think if they mystery of the serial killer hadn't been split over all three books I would't have read all three. Kind of sneaky, actually. Or maybe I'm just fed up because the last one was so dull.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Ohhh Yes I loved Conspiracy all the ups and downs so well done.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Christina T. (edited)

★ ♥
Finishing Up From Forever Ago
The Undead Heart by Tate Jackson
Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase
Cold Sight by Leslie Parrish
If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
To Sin With a Scoundrel by Cara Elliott
The Outlaw Viking by Sandra Hill
Once Bitten Twice Dead by Bianca D'Arc
I Thirst for You by Susan Sizemore
Moonlight Warrior by Janet Chapman
Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor
Captivated by Nora Roberts
Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Mistress by Amanda Quick
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
Penelope and Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley
Die Trying by Lee Child (Buddy Read from April)
Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep (for PBT from forever ago)
The Ice House by Minette Walters (Buddy Read)
The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas
At Last by Jill Shalvis ★★★★
A Kiss at Midnight by Eloise James ★★★★
Taming Jenna by Charlene Raddon
The Witness by Nora Roberts ★★★★

Books I'd Like to Read in July Too
Untraceable by Laura Griffin ★★★
The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh (PBT game that I've been playing forever)
Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas
Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis
The Darkest Day by Britt Bury ★★★★
To Tempting to Resist by Cara Elliott
You Only Love Twice by Lori Wilde
A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner
Pleasures of a Tempted Lady by Jennifer Haymore
Conquered by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
Charming Blue by Kristine Grayson
East of Denver by Gregory Hill
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Ashes to Ashes by Tami Hoag (BotM Mystery&Suspense--June)
Guardian of the Night by Linda Thomas-Sunstrom
Immortally Yours by Angie Fox
All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
That Thing Called Love by Susan Andersen ★★★★

Books I Ended Up Reading That Weren't on the List

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 6 replies

Christina T.

New Title

Finally finished The Witness. Not a favorite. I really got involved in Liz's life but the rest of the book felt something was missing. Plus I think she had some out of character moments that didn't ring true to me.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Finished The Darkest Day by Britt Bury. For her first PNR I'm actually pleasantly surprised. I do think her world building could have been improved on but the storyline was actually very well done. The heroine annoyed me just a tad because of her lack of knowledge of her own people and I still have a question or two about what might be a few inconstancies of her and her actions. Overall a pretty good book reminiscent of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series. Some of the characters that were introduced are bound to have their stories told so I'm totally looking forward to the upcoming stories.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Geekius

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There were more than few similarities to IAD. At first I thought that was a bit naughty, but by the end I was like, what the hell, the more the merrier!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Yes there were quite a few similarities but if you set them aside the other stuff was actually very well done. Not that the Kresley Cole-ish parts weren't well done because they were but Bury had enough originality that the book wasn't a complete IAD wannabe. I think the book was really good (not a favorite but definitely a great introduction to a possible budding favorite series) and yes I agree with your comment what the hell, the more the merrier!. If the entire book had been an complete IAD remake or not well done I would have rated it so much lower than I did and I might not be willing to get the second. By the way, Britt told me on her facebook page that book 2 is finished and she is working on book 3. As of right now they are trying to figure out a release date. I am assuming that book 2 is Ian's and I'm hoping book 3 is...what was his name...the one that befriended Izel in the Campbell camp. Ram? Argh I can't remember. I just tried to go look it up on my kindle but the darn thing is dead and I don't have my charger nearby. I hope that Andrew gets his book too. He was an interesting character (but not as interesting as Ram or whatever his name was!)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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OK, I'm convinced. Adding it to the TBR. I will probably wait until the 2nd book comes out to read it because I prefer to have the next book waiting in the wings before starting a new book - just in case...

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Geekius

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Yes Ramsey, was it?, I hope he gets his HEA soon, he seems like a stand up guy. Or book three could be about the wolf pookah dude they were discussing. He was with he Fionns temporarily...
It was written to an equal standard to KC so that's why you can forgive the many similarities.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

john seymour (edited)

My reading plan for July:

my key:
Bold = Category
Italics = Book, either read or planned to read
✔ = Planned book read
✔✸ = Unplanned book read
★★★ = Rating (1 - 5 stars)

1) James Lee Burke
✔Last Car to Elysian Fields★★★★
2) Other Crime Fiction and Thrillers
✔ Monkeewrench, by P.J. Tracey (also a Mystery & Suspense read)
✔Stolen Prey, by John Sanford★★★
3) Historical Fiction
✔Attila: The Judgment, by William Napier ★★★★
4) Classics (maybe now I'll finish Thucydides)
✔ Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck (also a 1001 Books read)
5) Political Science
The Cracked Bell: America and the Afflictions of Liberty, by Tristram Riley-Smith (left over from May)
✔National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius
6) Economics
✔The Counter-Revolution of Science, by F. A. Hayek (left over from March)★★
✔The End of Wall Street, by Roger Lowenstein★★
✔✸Boomerang, by Michael Lewis★★★
7) Catholic Spirituality
✔Mystery of Joseph, by Marie-Dominique Phillip (left over from June)★★
8) History
Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire - Judith Herrin
9) Islam
From Fatwa to Jihad: the Rushdie Affair and its Aftermath, by Kenan Malik (left over from May)
✔✸Son of Hamas, by Mosab Hassan Yousef★★★★
10) Great Courses and other audio books
TBD
11) Books of the Bible
✔I Chronicles
12) Recommendations, guidebooks and "other"
Los Juegos del Hambre, by Suzanne Collins (started in June)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 36 replies

john seymour

New Title

I started Stolen Prey last night. It doesn't really work in my schedule, but I rented it for my wife at the library and have several days left before it has to go back, so it seemed reasonable to read it now since I've already paid for the time.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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I got it from the library as well and my sister got to it before me so I'm still waiting. She had difficult getting "into" in which never happens with Stanford. She said letter it was much better. Let us know what you think.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

New Title

Finished Stolen Prey. ★★★ This was quite good. Sandford's last few Davenport stories had a bit of a formulaic flavor to them, but this came back with an interesting story and excellent dialogue. I am definitely going to steal a couple of the jokes.
Now back to Hayek, which I either have to finish by Friday or I don't get finished this month.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I have actually started Mystery of Joseph. While not a big book, it lends itself to contemplation, so I will probably not be setting any land speed records reading through it.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I have dropped the Federalist for this month and replaced it with NFIB v. Sebelius, otherwise known as the Obamacare case. While technically not a book, at 200 pages it surely ought to count! I need to read the opinion, though not for work, so I plan to count it as a book in my Politics category. Lord knows, it sure seems to fit. :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

New Title

Happy dance, happy dance. (Sorry about the visual.)
I finished Counter-Revolution of Science. ★★ I wrestled with the rating on this one. The ideas Hayek is discussing are important, and I think he is right and he presents some interesting insights. But is is all buried in a dense nearly impenetrable text. While a part of that is due to the nature of the ideas that Hayek is combating, a part is also due to the fact that it is written in a heavy academic style and the middle half or more of the book is taken up with the history of the ideas underlying progressivism, socialism and most collectivist ideologies of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The beginning of the book is a very dense critique of scientism, which Hayek defines as the application of ideas, concepts and techniques of the study of the natural, physical world to the study of human society. Hayek then shows the origin of these ideas in the thinking of Saint-Simon and traces their influence through Comte, Hegel, Marx, et al.
I am glad I read it, but I would rather peel my eyeballs than read it again, so I could only give it 2 stars.
Will be starting Cannery Row today.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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John, you're something else! LOL. Your reading covers so many of those tomes I'd never go for - and yet you keep reading, sometimes enjoying and sometimes just plugging away. I can contribute at least a comment to your Cannery Row book - I did see the movie and loved it!! I hope you enjoy it more than the Counter-Revolution one.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I did, Marie. I completely loved it. Cannery Row gets a coveted ★★★★★. Absolutely amazing. Steinbeck grabbed me from the very first sentence and he never let go.
My whole reading plan is completely in disarray for the month. I am now down in Florida and about half my books didn't make it before we had to leave. I didn't get a single full set of a Teaching Company Great Course either, grrrr. And the local library down here doesn't have half the books on my plan that I didn't get. I guess all I can do is read what I've got and wing it from there.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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Good luck with it, John - it must be pretty hot in Florida!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Thanks, Marie. It has actually been more pleasant here than it was in Minneapolis last week. You've gotta love the Great Plains - 100+ in the summer, -30 in the winter, and tornados just to keep you from being bored. At least hurricanes are courteous enough to give you advance notice. :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Can I just say that your apology for the happy dance made me giggle. You don't have to apologize for that! We're all childlike adults here, at least when it comes to books or reading. We understand completely. lol
And I have to agree with Marie. You're burning through some stuff I wouldn't try to tackle. Having said that, I'm the kind of nerd that actually likes reading my psych journals.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

New Title

Finished Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracey. ★★★ This was an interesting premise, but a flawed execution. Once we learn the history behind the group, it is impossible for me to believe that they would have developed the game. There are a lot of twisted games out there, so I could believe someone would come up with one like this, but not this group, and not as a branch from developing children's software. It was just not psychologically believeable. I had other problems with the story as well, but they would be spoilers. Well written and the dialogue sometimes made me laugh out loud, but the resolution wasn't satisfying.
Have started NFIB vs Sebelius. Now there's a thriller for you. Except I know how it comes out.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Well, that's a shame about Monkeewrench. Admittedly, I'm struggling with the awful execution of the audiobook but was encouraged by the opening premise.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I will have more to say in the Mystery and Suspense discussion where I don't have to worry about spoilers. :^)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Great! Looking forward to your feedback.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
dustydigger

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There were definitely weaknesses in the mystery department,but I enjoyed the banter and friendship-and we didnt have reams of stuff seen from the murderers point of view,which I seem to come across in a lot of this kind of book.We saw more of the group of suspects than is common too.I just liked the whole ambience,and remember this was the first book,and there are two writers,so I overlooked some of the problems as teething troubles.Just enjoyed a different take on this genre,which,when you have read hundreds of books,is always very welcome.It just had a lightness of touch,which we needed after the tough ,grim Chris Mooney book! lol

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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Dusty, I completely agree - I really enjoyed it, and it was a lot lighter than The Missing!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Oh, but I loved the weight of The Missing:)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

New Title

Finished Mystery of Joseph and started Last Car to Elysian Fields.
I read Mystery of Joseph on the recommendation of another reader who read and enjoyed My Life with the Saints by James Martin, S.J. and who favorably compared Jospeh with Martin's book. But they couldn't be more different. Martin's book was a book. A unified whole that was conceived, planned and written as a single work. Mystery of Joseph had two parts, the first a series of meditations on Joseph by Father Phillip and the second a collection of talks given by Father Phillip on Joseph over the years. As a result, Mystery of Joseph, as is common with this type of anthology, tends to be repetitious. In that respect, rather than reading straight through, it would probably work better as a resource for meditation to be dipped into from time to time.
The other problem I had with Mystery of Joseph was Father Phillip's interpretive approach. Whereas Father Martin had a very concrete "this is how the life of this saint had am impact on my life" approach that was very inspiring, Father Phillip's approach to Joseph was to elevate him in holiness to the point where I could barely recognize him. For example, in the famous scene from Matthew in which Joseph discovers that Mary is with child and decides to quietly return her to her parents (rather than strictly following the law and having her stoned), Father phillip interprets as representing Joseph's understanding that the child is from God and that therefore he is not worthy to be Mary's husband. I just can't get there. It is too ethereal for me. For me Joseph is the nitty gritty of life. The quiet laborer who steadily provides for and protects his family. He is in short, someone I can imagine having a beer with at the end of a long day. Also, Father Phillip seems to like the idea of recognizing the immaculate conception of Joseph, something the Church has never spoken on. I have enough difficulty with the dogma on the Immaculate Conception, so I didn't appreciate Father Phillip's approach.
And yet, there were some interesting gems in the book, especially Father Phillip's approach to poverty, which is very demanding and so much more than merely material poverty. But even with that I can't give it more than ★★.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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But I can say with some assurance that you will enjoy Last Car to Elysian Fields. How could you not?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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:) I am almost done. And you are right, I am enjoying it very much. Though it seems like he decided to skip over a year when Bootsie dies and the kid goes off to college. Either that or I somehow missed a book in the series. Usually I save my Burke for the last fiction read of the month, but this month I justified reading it now because it is from the local library here in Florida and my historical fiction is from the library in Minnesota. But I can eat my ice cream and save room for steak. Or even a serving of spinach. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

New Title

Sometimes you just need to eat dessert first! I read my Burke books as they became available at the library so didn't really follow the proper timeline. Big mistake, but if there was one available I simply couldn't wait until an earlier book was on the shelf. There must be far more than a year between when Bootsie dies and Alafair goes off to college. Alafair was about 5 at the time of Bootsie's death wasn't she?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I don't think we ever meet Robiceaux' first wife. His second wife (Annie?) dies in the 2nd book - Heaven's Prisoners. Alafair was about 5 then, maybe younger. Bootsie is his third wife and was still alive in Jolie Blon's Bounce when Alafair got accepted to her first choice school. I'm not surprised Alafair is gone, and it doesn't surprise me that Burke would kill off Bootsie - he never seemed really comfortable with her as a character and her and Robicheaux' relationship was sometimes quite strange. But to kill her off between books is a little unsettling. Like I've missed a book somewhere.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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You're right! Having just read Heaven's Prisoners, in which Annie died, I got the two confused. I did some research and apparently Burke did kill Bootsie off between books. I couldn't find anything that said why. Annie was his first wife, Bootsie the second, and Molly (the ex-nun) is the third. I agree with you about his relationship with Bootsie; she seemed very much his "rebound" relationship. It always seemed to me that while he cared for her, it wasn't an equal partnership. She was never able to give him what Annie, and later Molly, did.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I think there's actually another wife in there, who we don't learn much about, because he is always referring to Annie as his second wife. I think the first wife left him when he as a raging drunk, before he joined AA. I agree with you about Bootsie. I always thought he had her in the relationship to bring out Robicheaux' softer side in dealing with her Lupus, but that never really happened. She was also his first love and that rarely works out well.
One of my favorite Burke passages of all time is the scene in Heaven's Prisoners in which Dave is seated on the floor in his bedroom where his wife was murdered, mourning her and wishing he could speak with his dad.
In any case, I have finished Last Car to Elysian Fields and loved it. One of Burke's better efforts, it recaptures some of the literary quality of Heaven's Prisoners. I especially like the scene in which the derelict screams at the tourists something like "This car doesn't go to Elysian Fields, it never did. It stopped at _____." Is Burke telling us we can't reach heaven in this life? That there is no place you can run to and escape the problems of this life? Very good stuff.
I've started Michael Lewis' Boomerang. Not on this month's plan, but on the TBR and available from the local library, so read it I shall.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Finished Michael Lewis' Boomerang and struggled with what rating to give it. Lewis writes well and has some interesting insights, but he has no depth of understanding in economics and his approach is straight New York Times Keynesianism. Lewis demonstrates once again either an inabillity or an ideological resistence to place the events he observes in the context of government action. His book on the housing bubble and ensuing market collapse mostly ignored the actions of Fannie, Freddie and the Federal Reserve. Now he notes how threatened the European banks are for being so stupid as to buy so much government debt, but doesn't note that they were driven to do so by the Basle banking reforms that placed a zero risk rating on government debt. Policy has consequences and not understanding those linkages leaves us doomed to repeat them. There are some stunningly stupid statements in Boomerang such as his assertion that the current European debt crisis is political and not economic because "of course" the Germans CAN bail out the rest of the European Union. This is simply untrue and seems to me to represent nothing more than the progressive refusal to recognize that the root of the problem in Europe is that, to paraphrase Margaret Thatcher, they have run out of other people's money. The Germans still have money, so Lewis assumes that must be the solution.
If Emerson was correct that consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds, then no one can accuse Lewis of having a small mind. In an early chapter of his book he notes that short sellers don't help markets because they are motivated to take short positions to make money rather than to publicize the flaws they believe they've identified. Besides rereading his Adam Smith, Lewis ought to go back and read his own first chapter in which he relates the story of a short seller than figured out the housing bubble, placed his short positions and then went up to Wall Street and tried to explain to everyone why housing was a bubble and why it had to burst. This was in 2006, if I recall correctly. He was ignored, though eventually, like Wile E. Coyote, the markets realized there was nothing beneath them and gravity took over.
Lewis does, however, have some interesting insights. The first is that the market panic in 2008 was touched off by fear that large banks around the world would default and was stopped by Governments in essence stepping up and guaranteeing the debts of the banks. What stops the panic when it is touched o ff by a realization that the governments are going to default and cannot repay their debts? He also has an interesting thought that each debtor country is in trouble for different reasons and that those reasons shed an interesting light on the nature and character of the people of the country. His observations on Greece, Ireland and the United States are interesting, though I think those on Germany are ugly and shallow.
Finally, after touring Greece, Ireland, Germany and the United States and drawing an extremely bleak picture of the global future, Lewis concludes that things will somehow work out, that "as idiotic as optimism can sometimes seem, it has a wierd habit of paying off." Besides being a really wierd conclusion to a book that gives little support to the idea that things have any chance whatsoever of working out, Lewis seems blind to the irony of his adopting the same kind of blind, willful, optimism that the bankers he skewers have done.
★★★, but with reservations.
I have also started Atilla: The Judgment. Oh. My. Goodness. The first two volumes of Napier's trilogy were a little uneven, though obviously good enough to keep me coming back. Parts were brilliant, and then Napier would wander off into in depth explorations of imperial misfeasance and malfeasance that were, in a word, boring. This book grabbed me and has not, one-third of the way through, let go. So far, unlike the first two books, there is very little focus on Attilla and much more on those trying unsuccessfully to oppose him. In the opening battle, when the Legion commander notes to his men that a legionary Fortress hasn't fallen to barbarians in 800 years and that's not going to change with them, you know things aren't going to end well. They don't.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Sorry to hear this didn't really pan out to be as good as you'd hoped as I have not found a very satisfying book on Joseph and was hoping this might be it. I really appreciate your analysis and review as it helped to have a better sense of the overall style of the book. I'll keep my eyes open for something else for the future.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

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Finished Attila: The Judgement. A great and exciting read all the way through. The best book of the trilogy. Napier did an interesting thing in this book, as he shifted the focus from Attila, whose youth and return from exile were the focus of the first two books and turns to focus on Aetius, the Roman general who . . . but that would be giving away the story if you are not familiar with the history. Attila is still present, but is no longer Center stage, though his presence is felt on every page. Very nicely done. The ending was a little weak and unsatisfying: in particular I was thirsting for Enkhtuya to come to a gruesome and violent end, but she just seems to disappear. I very much liked Napier's exploration of the events that could explain how a man who appeared to take special pleasure in butchering christian clergy in new and inventive ways, could in the end be turned away from Rome by Pope Leo. I think a successful work of historical fiction is one that leaves you with a desire to understand the actual history better. Napier delivers in spades, not just with respect to Attila, but especially with respect to Gaius Flavius Aetius: The Last Roman. ★★★★
I have started The End of Wall Street and The Call to Holiness: Embracing a Fully Christian Life by Richard M Gula, S.S. Now there's an interesting justaposition. I had Gula's book on my TBR for a long time and just happened to pick it up and start reading, then sat down to read some more. He starts with the idea of four types of holiness in two pairs that are in tension: asceticism vs the embrace of the holiness and good in the world ("And God saw that it was good") and contemplation vs actual action to assist the poor. I think where he is going with this is that each of these types of holiness is needed and without the balance represented by its opposite has the danger of an unbalanced, even unspiritual life. But I should probably read the rest of the book before commenting further.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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The juxtaposition made me laugh before I even read your sentence. Sounds like a Shelfari pairing for sure.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Finished I Chronicles. Next up is Ezra. I am still plugging away at The End of Wall Street and I really need to force myself to finish reading the Obamacare decision - decisions really. I've read Robert's 'majority' decision. Still have Ginsberg, Scalia and Thomas to go.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

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Finished The End of Wall Street and it was very disappointing. To paraphrase an old review, it is filled with new and good information, but what is new is not good and what is good is not new. Basically intended to be a blow by blow telling of the housing bubble and resulting crisis, the timeline itself is interesting and almost justified three stars on its own. However his economic analysis is just goofy and while, as Sen. Monihan said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, no one is entitled to their own facts and Lowenstein includes some howlers among his "facts, including the assertion that Enron was rated AAA until shortly before its collapse. Nonsense. Enron was never rated AAA. It was rated BBB (BBB+, I think) until just before it collapsed. There was another fact early in the book that jarred and when I checked Lowenstein's endnote it was to a lecture by this father, which struck me as a little strange because it struck me as the type of thing he ought to have been able to find a good documented source for. Finally, his depiction of Fuld (the former head of Lehmans) was completely different than every other book I've read on the crisis. He describes Fuld with some sympathy and describes him as a good friend of Paulson. Every other source I have seen describes Fuld as a flaming asshole, at best. One banker I knew who knew Fuld described him as evil incarnate. He was not joking, though he clearly had his own biases. I would not recommend reading this unless . . . . Well, I can't really think of a good exception. ★★ Reading my review, I can't think of how I can justify giving it two stars.
Started Son of Hamas.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Finished Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef. Very interesting book. Yousef is the son of Sheikh Hasan Yousef, one of the founders of Hamas. This is the story of his growing up in that world, the brutality of the Israeli occupation, the brutality of Palestinian leadership towards their own people as well as Israelis and Yousef's ten years as an informer/agent of Shin Bet, the Israeli secret police and his eventual conversion to Christianity, which begins when he first reads Jesus' admonition to "love your enemies." This is really a memoir, and as such, one has to take the historical events presented as the author's understanding of those events as they occurred around him, but Yousef seems to be a sincere and truthful reporter. A good book for anyone interested in understanding more about some of the cultural background entangling the conflict in the Middle East today. ★★★★
Have started Byzantium.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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I finished National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius last night and it left me sad. Roberts' decision strikes me as a very political decision, crafted by one who lives entirely too much in the elitist heart of Washington. As I read his opinion upholding the mandate I kept thinking of Bill Clinton's "it depends what the meaning of 'is' is. Too clever by half. I naturally disagreed with everything in Ginsberg's opion except her description of Roberts' Commerce Clause holding as mere dicta, which I think is true. Scalia, it seems to me had much the better argument, one founded in an understanding of the importance of structural arrangements to our liberty. But that world is almost gone, now. And instead we have a national government of almost limitless power, just waiting for the right crisis.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Hi John,
While I know we think differently about the decision, I want you to know how very much I value your review and comments on this (and many other issues). I appreciate the depth of reading you do, application of critical analysis and logical argumentation on issues and citation of what works/doesn't for you in a particular situation or work. I've noticed how you are able to state your views with clarity, having drawn from both your values and a careful reading and then offer your own commentary.
My own sense is that very few people engage with either politics or reading with with level of depth any longer. While I'm aware that my own reviews here generally lack such depth, my work in faith and advocacy has taught me the value of such careful study and exposition which I most certainly try to bring to bear in my life as a religious leader. It is frustrating to read with such depth and feel such emotion when one is grasping an issue that too few engage in only at the level of sound-bites from either side. My own fear and sadness is the lack of what I might call a more respectful and authentic argumentation and debate upon an issue from both sides where moderation and negotiation are possible, where persuasion is not tied to partisanship or monetary influence only and where deep listening and an attempt at understanding occur rather than rhetoric and out of hand dismissal of ideas, values, and a world view that may differ from one's own. That is one of my deepest hopes for our nation, yet also an area that feels like a far cry from probable in the current climate.
Two possible books if you haven't read them (haven't checked your shelf):
God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis
Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think by George Lakoff

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Thanks, Christy, that's very kind. My apologies for the slow response; I have been, and am, insanely busy at work right now.
Do we think differently about the opinion because you think universal health care is important and this seems to get us there or because you think the bill passes constitutional muster? If the latter, what to your mind can the Federal government not do other than the few items expressly forbidden in the Bill of Rights and the Civil War Amendments?
When I was younger I used to mainly read books on current politics and watch news and the Sunday morning talk shows, but now I rarely do. Either I have changed or the world has (or both), but it seems to me that our politics has become much coarser, more inundated with partisanship and money.
I think knowledge is contingent and that the smartest of us knows only a small portion of what we collectively know and that is in turn only a small fraction of what is to be known. This seems to me to call for a great deal of humility and caution when thinking about social policy. But those are traits sadly lacking in society. I suspect it has ever been so. My own impatience has grown with people who who approach life with certainty, so much certainty that they feel qualified to dictate how others ought to live as well. Anyway, the temptation of the soapbox calls, and I must resist.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Don't feel a need to reply (or at least anytime soon) with a busy work life; I well recall times when I felt like social engagement online was just not possible and one more distraction from an already overly full day when work and personal relations call out for attention. Quite frankly, although I love this online group, I have spent more time online this past year because of a lack of steady work, which hopefully is shifting soon with a new PT position.
As to healthcare, I don't actually think from a constitutional perspective it is a good bill and on a personal level, I never would have encouraged the promotion of implementing this from an individual mandate perspective. From a social and moral/ethical perspective, I believe we should be caring for people who are most vulnerable and thus I worked on getting a healthcare bill passed, though it obviously morphed along the way. In the same way that our government provides services such as libraries, fire, police, roads and water, I believe it would be helpful to have some sort of way to provide for health. I realize we all have different ideas on what falls under that rubric and who should pay, but I just cannot think that our ability to receive basic care should be tied to an ability to pay which is often tied to employment, thus transferring the burden to private industry as well as making it out of reach for those earning the least. I don't have all the answers, but do feel that as a nation we have not done well in this area.
I concur on the partisanship and control of money. If I could change one thing only across all of legislation, it would be to work towards a stringent clean money election law to remove a bit of the power that is wielded. (My second wish would be for a law that prohibits un-related amendments to get tacked on to laws and budgets that have nothing to do with the primary content thus confounding individuals who want to do the right thing on X, but must also agree to Y if they vote a particular way).
Well spoken on awareness of knowledge and humility. I'd say you have captured the essence of wisdom (a subject I'll be preaching on the 19th): we need more than knowledge, we need an awareness of our own limitations and the limits of all humans in what can be known both individually and collectively. There is that which should be beyond our certainty and call upon reverence for mystery and some sense of awe in relation to life and God (the Universe, that which surrounds and is beyond us, or whatever limited name we call upon in our unknowing). Blessings to you.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Erin L (edited)

Group/Buddy Reads
The Secret by Julie Garwood ★★★★
The Return of Rafe McKade by Nora Roberts
Dark Needs At Night's Edge by Kresley Cole
Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole

Series
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn ★★★★★
On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn ★★★★★
Somebody To Love by Kristan Higgins ★★★★★
The Good The Bad and The Undead by Kim Harrison ★★★★
Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann ★★★★★
Flashpoint by Suzanne Brockmann
Ransom by Julie Garwood
Someone To Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas ★★★
Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
Spellbound byt Kelley Armstrong

Not on Original List
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis ★★★★
On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves ★★★★★ ♥
The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis ★★★
Forget Me Not by Marliss Melton ★★★★

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 23 replies

Erin L

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Currently rereading Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Going anywhere for that vacation? - Enjoy. I am taking a week off this summer and we are heading to Atlanta. Not sure how much reading I will get done. But it will be great family fun.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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That sounds like fun, Jo! I think it sounds like a worthy reason to take a reading break!
I have all summer off but my husband has two separate weeks off. He's off right now but we're kind of laying low for this week. We are planning to go away during his second week off in August. I think we're going to the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm from the Canadian east coast and we are staying arond these parts this year :).

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished rereading Gone Too Far and loved it!
Now reading Somebody to Love.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Sounds wonderful - enjoy your vacation

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Thanks Jo!
Finished Somebody To Love and absolutely loved it! Higgins has become a must read author for me.
Now reading It's In His Kiss.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L (edited)

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Finished It's In His Kiss. This will go down as one of my favorite Bridgerton stories!
Now reading Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis and really enjoyed it.
Now reading The Secret.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished The Secret and found that it lived up to the hype!
Now reading On The Island.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished On The Island. A new favorite!
Now reading Industrial Magic.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Well, my library copy of Industrial Magic expired before I finished. Oops! It's not so bad though because it was a reread for me.
Now reading On The Way To The Wedding. I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the Bridgertons.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished On The Way To The Wedding and I loved it. I am completely depressed to be out of Bridgerton books to read.
Now reading The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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It must be tough to run out of Bridgerton books to read I have enjoyed the series immensely but still have a few to go. I am pacing them out.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I've been working on the series since January. I spaced them out as much as I could handle :). I'm hoping to find another fabulous HR family to read about. I hope you enjoy the remaining Bridgerton books as much as I did!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished The Sweetest Thing and really enjoyed it.
Now I'm going to try to read The Good, The Bad and The Undead. I say try because I've been feeling a little burned out on UF/PR lately but I want to see where this series goes so I'm going to give it a go.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I have yet to read a single one of her books I have heard good things about the series though - I hope you like it.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Thanks Jo!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I finished reading The Good, The Bad and The Undead and I loved it! I came very close to just skipping right into the next book but was able to restrain myself!
Now reading Forget Me Not.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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*dreamy sigh* Trent...

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I am VERY intrigued by Trent at the moment! He has a very Barrons like vibe about him if you've read Moning's Fever series. I don't think it will be long before I'm back for the next book in the series.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L (edited)

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Finished Forget Me Not by Marliss Melton. Can't wait to read more in this series!
Now reading Someone to Watch Over Me by Kleypas.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Oh yes I know what you mean about Trent ;)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Finished Someone to Watch Over Me. Definitely my least favorite Kleypas title to date.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Wanderer (edited)

Read:

36. Flora's Fury by Ysabeau S. Wilce: 7/1 ★★★★★
37. Allies of the Night by Darren Shan: 7/2 ★★★☆☆
38. The Fury by L.J. Smith: 7/3 ★★★★★
39. Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith: 7/5 ★★★★★
40. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith ★★★☆☆
41. Tales of Mystery and Madness by Edgar Allen Poe ★★★★☆

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 3 replies

Wanderer

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Pleased with myself so far. I'm not sure if I'll make it to 144 books and honestly I'd be happy if I just made it to 80 since the most I've ever read is 70... But still. I'm aiming for 100 at least and I'll need to read at least 10 books a month *sharp intake of breath* so I hope to get ahead of that these last two months of summer while I still have the time. So...
Read so far this month Flora's Fury, Allies of the Night, The Fury, & The Dark Reunion. Focusing on Boneshaker, The Night Circus, & The Secret of Crickley Hall. Anxious to get to alot of the other books on my pile! It's so hard to focus on just one good book when there's a ton waiting to be read! Eeep!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Wanderer

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UPDATE:
Narrowed down my TBR to the actual pile I have sitting there, waiting to be read. I have a feeling some of this is going to carry over into August. But I've always said I do most of my reading during the autumn so I'm not discouraged yet! Finished Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and focusing on The Night Circus.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Wanderer

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UPDATE:
Finished Poe book and hope to finish up Night Circus before the end of the month. Moved everything else until next month.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Melanie (edited)

For a start:

Geektastic - Stories From the Nerd Herd by Various - ✔ Reviewed
Stop Dressing your Six-Year Old Like a Skank and Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom by Celia Rivenbark
The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
Alone in the Kitchen With an Eggplant by Various ✔ Reviewed
A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 7 replies

Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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These are some of the most interesting titles I've seen in quite some time. Please share feedback once you've finished them!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Melanie

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LOL.....my review ability leaves much to be desired....but I will do my best :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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I'm especially interested in "Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old" Like a Skank. It's an appalling trend and I'm curious what "delicate words" someone other than myself has to say on the subject. Your other book titles do sound intriguing. These are the kind of books I pull from library shelves because I just need to know what they might be about.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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This reminds me of those days when I'd visit the library and often pick up books with intriguing titles, too. I don't do that much anymore - I have so many books on my TBR that I only order 3 library books at a time, mostly. I'll be interested to read what you say about those titles, too.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Add me to the list of curious re: six yr. olds and clothing. Fabulous book title. Totally agree on the appalling trend of clothing that even had I been a teenager, my mother would have objected to me wearing out of the house much less purchased for me as a child. Is this an "I'm getting old" thing or is some of the clothing really as unbelievably poor taste as I think?

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Is the eggplant one fiction or a cookbook? Sounds good....yum....love eggplant. Must be supper time as I'm now daydreaming of recipes but lack the required eggplant for tonight. Ah well, off to see what the fridge may have in store instead.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Melanie

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I am starting the eggplant book tonight or tomorrow. I THINK it is a collection of short stories by various authors, involving their experiences of cooking for only one. I know there are several recipes in the book.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Lady_Caella (edited)

Done
The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst
Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton
Afterlight by Elle Jasper
Red Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie
Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer
Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley
Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells
Take This Regret by A.J. Jackson
Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair
Immortally Yours by Angie Fox
With this View by Alanna Coca
Spring comes to Sanctuary by Cooper McKenzie
Five Alarm Neighbour by Anna Leigh Keaton
Dane by Liliana Hart

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 2 replies

Lisa M (edited)

July Reading List

Summerland – Elin Hilderbrand - ✔ 4 ★'s
Fifty Shades of Grey – E.L. James ✔ 5 ★'s
Fifty Shades Darker – E.L. James ✔ 5 ★'s
Fifty Shades Freed – E.L. James ✔ 5 ★'s
Echoes At Dawn – Maya Banks ✔ 4 ★'s
Much Ado About Marriage – Karen Hawkins ✔ 3.5 ★'s
The Stanislaskis: Mikhail & Alex – Nora Roberts ✔ 4 ★'s
The Stanislaskis: Rachel & Natasha – Nora Roberts ✔ 5 ★'s
Waiting For Nick & Considering Kate – Nora Roberts ✔ 5 ★'s
Black Sheep and The Princess – Donna Kauffmann
Rapture in Death – JD Robb ✔ 4 ★'s
Forget Me Not – Marliss Melton ✔ 5 ★'s ♥
Drums of Autumn – Diana Gabaldon Currently Reading

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 27 replies

Lisa M

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Finished Summerland - 4★’s
This was Hilderbrand’s newest release and it was great. A story of life on Nantucket filled with tragedy, hope, good friends and family. A great summer read!
Now reading Fifty Shades of Grey

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I am visiting Family this month in Atlanta and I will be getting the Fifty shades books from them so I may read them this year even though I had not planned for them.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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YAY Atlanta!!! One of my favorite cities EVER. We try and make it down there at least 3 or 4 times a year. We really like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the area around Emory. Just a lovely town with so much rich history and diversity.
Can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about 50 Shades.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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I am just a few chapters short of finishing Book 1 and I am really enjoying it!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Fifty Shades of Grey - 5 ★’s
I loved this book! A very heavy but enjoyable story of one of the most complex and tortured souls I have ever read about.
I enjoyed the great banter between the characters, the humour and the great complexities of Christian Grey!
Now reading Fifty Shades Darker

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Fifty Shades Darker - 5 ★’s
This trilogy just keeps getting better and better!
Now reading Fifty Shades Freed

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Wow! You are cooking right through those 50 books. lol.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Wow you are not playing arround with these

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Hahahahah....I am loooooving this trilogy! I can't put them down!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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I have a friend who just started the series. She said it took her 4 days to read the first one and she loved. I told her she wasn't reading fast enough. lol. SHe then told me work and gotten in the way of reading, but she wasn't leaving the house all weekend. She's planning to finish the series by Monday.
This friend does NOT read very often, so I have to wonder... what has 50 Shades done for reading? Reading has always been popular to a certain group of folks. But then ereaders became popular and reading took on a whole new life. Now 50 Shades seems to be doing the same thing. Pulling people in who normally don't read, but will now be willing to seek out similar books.
Opinions?

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Karree it might be the Twilight phenom all over again. As much as it annoys me (the hype not the books...as I've never read them) I have to give them kudos for getting people to read.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Fifty Shades Freed - 5★’s
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it. There is more than meets the eye where Christian Grey is concerned!
Now reading Much Ado About Marriage.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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@Karree B - I have been asking myself the same question. This book will suck you in. I was so wrapped up in Christian and his story that Book 1 was finished before I knew it! I am seriously considering re-reading this series!
I found the book was a quick read. The story flowed well and character development was good. I enjoyed all of the secondary characters as well.
I haven't read the Twilight series....but Fifty Shades is certainly shaping up to give it a run for its money!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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Same here, Christina - a few of these "Phenomenons" have brought reading to many and that's a good thing.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Much Ado About Marriage - 3.5★’s
I’ve never read this author before and I was slightly disappointed in this book. This is the prequel to her MacLean Series and also her first book, so I digress.
The book was slow to take off although it did contain delightfully funny characters.
Now reading Echoes At Dawn.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Echoes at Dawn - 4 ★’s
The book was slow to start but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down!
Now reading The Stanislaski Brothers: Mikhail and Alex.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished The Stanislaski Brothers – Mikhail and Alex - 4★’s
This was a re-read for me. It was just as good the second time around!
Now reading The Stanislaski Sisters– Natasha and Rachel.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished The Stanislaskis: Natasha & Rachel - 5★’s
Roberts did a much better job writing Natasha & Rachel’s stories in this series. A fast paced book to be read in one sitting.
Now reading Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate - 5★’s
Another great book in a well rounded series!
Now reading Forget Me Not

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Can't wait to hear how you like Forget Me Not!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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I am sooo excited for this! I miss those Navy SEALs!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M (edited)

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Finished Forget Me Not - 5★’s
I am so glad that I took a chance on this book! An excellent story with well developed characters. The camaraderie between the SEAL Team was a great addition as well; along with the nail biting action scenes. The romance is at the core of this book and it was top notch!
Now reading Rapture in Death.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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Finished Rapture in Death - 4★’s
An intense and highly entertaining story! I really enjoyed it.
Now reading Drums of Autumn.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Enjoy Jamie and Claire!! :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lisa M

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So excited to be back with them!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Sharon is an emotional book junkie

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i really liked Roger even more in this one!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Roger turns out to be a super sexy "nerd" in this one for sure!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Booklover (edited)

July Plan

Symbols: ✔ ★★★★ ⇒ ♥
F = freebie

Group/Buddy Reads
⇒ Expect to Win, Carla Harris (reading now - rollover)
⇒ The Camel Club, David Baldacci (thriller) (May) (reading now - rollover)
✔ Plum Island, Nelson DeMille (mystery) (June 20 - M&S) ★★★ 1/2
✔ Graves' End, Sean Patrick Traver (paranormal thriller, F) (July 12 - AFBAC) ★★ 1/2
✔ Monkeewrench, PJ Tracy (mystery) (July 20 - M&S) ★★★★
The Dog Walker, Corwyn Alvarez (misc fiction, dogs, F) (June)
The End of Marking Time, CJ West (mystery, F) (April)
The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R. King (mystery, set in England) (April)

Next in Series
⇒ Death on Beacon Hill, PB Ryan (Nell Sweeney series #3, historical mystery) (reading now)
Conspiracy in Kiev, Noel Hynd (The Russian Trilogy #1 - ROO, thriller, F)
✔ The Savage Blood, Tamara Rose Blodgett (Savage series #2, YA sci fi / fantasy romance, Shelfari author, F) ★★ 3/4
Demon Slave, Kiersten Fay (Shadow Quest series #2, sci fi / paranormal romance, Shelfari author)
Faefever, Karen Marie Moning (Fever series #3, paranormal romance)

Other
✔ Blood and Groom, Jill Edmondson (Sasha Jackson series #1) (mystery, set in Toronto, F) ★★★
✔ Every Move You Make, Bobby Hutchinson (romantic suspense, set in Vancouver, F) ★★★
✔ The Bridgeman, Catherine Astolfo (Emily Taylor series #1, mystery, set in Ontario, F) ★★★ 3/4
Wine & Roses, Susan R. Hughes (romance, set in Niagara-on-the-Lake, F)
Fire and Ice, Dana Stabenow (Liam Campbell series #1, Alaska, mystery, friend rec, F)

Not on the Plan

Re-reads (not part of 12x12)

Shorts (not part of 12x12)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 7 replies

Booklover

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I was away on vacation at the beginning of July with limited Internet access, so only now catching up on group activity and updating what I've been reading

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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I started the month with Every Move You Make by Bobby Hutchinson in honor of Canada Day (July 1) - by a Canadian author and set in Vancouver. It was a fairly standard romantic suspense - nothing particularly special, but an enjoyable, light summer read.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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Next up was Graves' End by Sean Patrick Traver. I guess it might be best described as a paranormal crime noir. And while I generally like both sci fi / fantasy / paranormal and mysteries, I really didn't like this much at all. I spent most of the first half of the book confused about what was going on and wondering what the point was (I guess it did get clarified right at the end, so that's something...), and the last half slogging through it, hoping it would be done soon. Didn't really like any of the characters much, and even when the plot did get clarified somewhat, it never did hook me in.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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I read two group reads for the M&S group - last month's book, which I didn't finish in time, Plum Island by Nelson DeMille, and this month's book, in an effort to finish it early for once (!), Monkeewrench by PJ Tracy.
I really wanted to like Plum Island, and at times I really did. I loved the Long Island setting, and while parts of the plot were a little bit over the top, I found the mystery itself very interesting and engrossing. And DeMille writes very well. So what was my problem? The main character was just such a jerk - OK, I get that he is a hard-boiled NY cop, but he's so annoying (and so central) that it really ruined the book for me. There are parts when his snarky, chauvinistic personality was more toned down - that's when I loved the book. In hopes that his personality would be toned down in later books - this is the first in the series, after all - I looked at some of the reviews for later books - nope, he seems to stay a snarky jerk throughout. Sigh.
I thoroughly enjoyed Monkeewrench. It was a bit confusing in the beginning, as all the characters are introduced, and it jumps between the different story lines, but once I had the characters straight, I was hooked. Sure, some parts of the plot may not be entirely believable, but that didn't bother me at all. I had a hard time putting it down, and just zipped on through it. I very much look forward to reading more from this mother-daughter writing team.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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I was on vacation at the cottage in Ontario for a week, so I read two mysteries set in Ontario: Blood and Groom by Jill Edmondson, book #1 in the Sasha Jackson series and set in Toronto, and The Bridgeman by Catherine Astolfo, book #1 in the Emily Taylor series and set in an Ontario small town.
Blood and Groom was pretty good, particularly for a debut novel - it felt a bit forced in the beginning, but improved, and the mystery itself was quite interesting, although I didn't entirely warm to the main character. I definitely enjoyed the Toronto setting. I plan to read the next in the series, to see how it develops.
I really enjoyed The Bridgeman, although some of the subject matter (animal abuse) was pretty disturbing and might be a bit much for some (I'm still wavering on whether I will recommend this to my mom, for example). And the main character did have one ridiculous "too stupid to live" moment reminiscent of a horror movie heroine. But generally, it hooked me right in, and I powered through it, putting it down only reluctantly when forced by family members! I really liked the characters (stupid moment aside), and the small-town Ontario setting was well done. Thankfully, I already have the next in the series, and will be reading it soon!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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Yesterday, I finished The Savage Blood by Tamara Rose Blodgett, book #2 in the Savage series. Sadly, I was disappointed. I very much enjoyed the first in the series, and eagerly jumped into this sequel, particularly given the cliffhanger at the end of the first one. Well, if I had hoped for a resolution of anything, I can keep hoping - this too ends in a cliffhanger, but it doesn't even really seem to have any resolution point. I think it needs some further editing, actually - the writing is choppy at times, and sloppy enough that it pulled me out of the story. The concept and overall storyline are still very interesting, which is why I didn't rate it lower, but even there, there was a lot of repetition of basic plot elements that got kind of tiresome, and the characters were not as engaging or even as fully developed as in the first book. I will carry on to the third in the series, as I want to find out what happens, but I hope it's better than this one.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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Now reading Death on Beacon Hill by PB Ryan.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Talin (edited)

Reading

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Reading Plan
Keeping Secret by Sierra Dean
Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Fear the Darkness by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Rouge by Rachel Vincent
Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Dark Descendant by Jenna Black
Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Read
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells
City of Ghost by Stacia Kane
Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Fear the Darkness by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Dark Descendants by Jenna Black
Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Rogue by Rachel Vincent
Keeping Secret by Sierra Dean
One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 7 replies

Talin

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I finished Blu Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells and I loved it, it was full of action book and I really loved Adam in this book, hated Cain and it would have been better if it was a little shorter. I really didn't know to know that information about Mr. Giggle in the end "eww", you'll know what I'm talking about when you read it. I also read a prequel Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout, it was ok for a prequel, the series is getting high rates, it reminded me with Vampire Academy but with a Greek mythology twist. Now I'm reading Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris.br]
I also finished Fear the Darkness by Kenyon, it was short story about Nick, I can't believe what he got himself into.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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I'm halfway through Dead as a Doornail and I'm not liking it as much as I did the others, maybe it is because Eric just appeared once so far. I am listening to Dark Descendants by Jenna Black, this is first book I read by her and I'm loving it.
I loved City of Ghosts the most favorite one in the series so far.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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I really loved Dark Descendant, the audio was great and I finished it in 2 days, usually audios take longer to finish. I also finished Dead as a Doornail and it was Ok, it was annoying how many guys she found there lips were warm and soft, every guy in this book were attracted to Sookie.
Now I'm listening to Rogue by Rachel Vincent, I read the first book 2 years ago and it's about time to finish this series. I'm also reading Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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I finished Devil May Cry and it was great, loved Sin and Katra and was surprised of who Katra really was. I wanted to read a little from Acheron book and I was surprised to find out that the first half of the book is about his past, I thought that it will know about his past life as a flashbacks throughout the story, what a terrible life he had and I only read 75 pages so far.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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I finished reading Acheron it was very emotional but it still worth it. I was tempted to start Stryker's book next but I will leave it for next month. Now I want to read something non paranormal after all this DH books so I'm reading Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, I hope it is as good as was Anna and the French Kiss.
I don't know why but I'm having trouble not drifting away while listening to Rogue, I was thinking of dropping it but lots of people love this series so I will give this book another chance.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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Finished Keeping Secret, it was so good and keep me wanting for the next book, the only think that annoys me the attraction that she has for more than one even though it is reasonably in the story.
I also finished One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon, I loved it and didn't imagine that one day I will be happy for Stryker and wish him good.
Now I'm listening to Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones. Not sure yet what to read next.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Talin

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Finished Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, it was so good. It has some similarities to Vampire Academy but once you get over it the plot is different and so good. The heroine Alex is smart ass kind of girl, and Aiden is the opposite to her. This book renewed my love for YA books.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Leslie H (edited)

CHICK LIT
• Excellent Women, Barbara Pym
✔ The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted and Other Small Acts of Liberation, Elizabeth Berg

CHRISTIAN
• ☊Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
✔ Dominion (Deadline Trilogy: 2), Randy Alcorn
• The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer

FICTION – PRE-2000
• Auntie Mame – An Irreverent Escapade, Patrick Dennis

INCOMPLETE SERIES ON THE LIGHT SIDE
✔Home to Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap Series: 7), Adriana Trigiani

PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS
• A Death in the Family, James Agee (1958)

MYSTERY SERIES
✔ Stolen Prey (Lucas Davenport Series: 22), John Sandford

OTHER COUNTRIES
• Wild Swans – Three Daughters of China, Jung Chang

RACISM/PREJUDICE/POLITICAL CRIMES
✔ ☊Night (Night Trilogy: 1), Elie Wiesel

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 34 replies

Christy Baker

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I still haven't started Night, but I have it on both audio and hardback so if not this month then next for sure. It's one to be read when I'm feeling particularly emotionally able for certain.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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My wife and I both just finished Stolen Prey and thought it was pretty good. Good plot, good finish and very good dialogue. Not quite as good as his best, but much better than the last few Davenport stories. Those seemed like he just mailed it in.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Just finished Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiana. Next up, Stolen Prey by John Sandford. Can't wait!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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Finally made it through "Night." I've found that emotionally traumatic books are somehow easier for me in audio form. Elie Wiesel's memoir of his time in various concentration camps and the changes wrought by the hardships and cruelty on its victims was harrowing. Difficult though it was, I believe these works are essential to the world and I will read the other two books in this trilogy.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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A wonderful day spent in the world of Lucas Davenport in John Sandford's "Stolen Prey." The book has the expected thievery, thugs, and murders most foul. Lucas also spends time hunting down a couple who robbed him at an ATM, broke his arm, and caused him to spend far too many months in a cast. Lucas intends to find the pair and make them pay for their crime. I'm enjoying the growth of the Davenport family, especially the relationship between Lucas and his adopted daughter Letty. These relations add a depth to this series I particularly enjoy.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Leslie-Somehow, I hadn't realized that Night was actually part of a trilogy; I had always thought it a stand alone book. Once I'm done with it, I'll check out the other two.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Leslie, I also enjoy the Lucas' family relationships, and especially those with Letty, who, though adopted, sure seem's like her father's daughter. This last book left me wondering if Sandford is getting Letty ready for her own series. I loved the denouement of the hunt for Lucas' muggers and his response. LOL

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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Christy: While "Night" is a biography and the other two books are fiction, they are billed as a trilogy. I don't know if Wiesel himself made that choice or it was a publisher's marketing decision, but they are all works on the holocaust and "Night" certainly deserves a follow-up.
John: I agree Letty's character is becoming stronger and more like Lucas' every book. I wouldn't mind a series centered around her. I thought the subplot of his revenge was a great contrast to the horrific crimes he was supposed to be dealing with!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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I agree with you Leslie 110% that Night deserves a follow-up but having tried to read the other two in the trilogy (There is a collected edition that was available at my school library) they pale in comparison and it is because he isn't writing about his own experience. What makes Night so powerful is that you know these things happened to him. I would love to see him write more about his experience and how it made him feel. Some really good books to read about the entire experience of the Holocaust are Primo Levi's books Survival in Auschwitz and The Reawakening. They deal with his time in and after the Holocaust.
Leslie, I notice you read christian fiction. I have been trying to step out of my own comfort zone and read some of this particular genre. Do you have any recommendations based on stuff you have read? I would appreciate it. The only book I have read to date is The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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Eric: Wiesel has published at least two other memoirs dealing directly with his life after his concentration camp experiences: "All Rivers Run to the Sea" and "And the Sea is Never Full." He also wrote "The Trial of God," Weisel's memories of an Aushwitz trial wherein God was tried for violating the covenant by turning his back in silence on the Jewish people in their greatest hour of need. God was tried in absentia, without anyone present being willing to take on the role of God's defense attorney. Public Television did an excellent program based on Wiesel's story.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Eric: As to your questions about Christian fiction, I've been thinking on this all day. Frankly, I much prefer Christian non-fiction for the most part. Far too much of Christian fiction seems to be very naive and to ignore the real issues people face both in the world and within themselves. I object to the limited focus rather than the theology. That being said, I would NOT recommend "The Shack." I'm sure I'll be reviled, but I hated it. The first Christian novels I enjoyed were those by Frank Perretti, beginning with "This Present Darkness." His works all deal not just with the physical world, but very much with the spiritual world as well. The "Deadline" trilogy by Randy Alcorn also focuses on the unseen as well as the seen; there are many passages relating to things happening in heaven while the story on earth plays out. I just yesterday finished the second in this trilogy, "Dominion." It's set in Portland, Oregon (where I live) in a primarily black neighborhood rife with gangs. The hero is Clarence Abernathy. His sister and niece are shot and killed in a drive-by shooting, and he comes to know the white detective working on the case, Ollie Chandler, as well as Ollie's latino partner, Manny. This type of work may be way out there for someone new to the genre. I did read the "Mitford" series by Jan Karon. It's about Father Tim, a small town pastor who's a little introverted and quiet but because of his kindness starts drawing people to him. This series is far more subtle. It has a Christian outlook, but its feet are very much set on terra firma. This won't require much of you, but I found it very sweet and looked forward to watching all the characters grow and interact. If I pick up something steller I'll draw it to your particular attention.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Thanks for bringing to my attention the other Wiesel books. I only knew of Night because of a Holocaust literature course I took last semester. There was no mention of the two books that you mentioned. Only Night. I have actually seen the PBS program that you speak of. It was available to watch from Netflix, so I rented it. It was a surprisingly good movie. I will have to see if I can find the source material at some point.
I won't persecute you for your feelings on "The Shack", but I have to state that it is one of my favorite books that I have ever read. It shows, in my opinion, the true spirit of God and how we should be in a relationship with him. Each person though takes something from a book. Some people will hate a book and others will love it. I am clearly in the love camp of that book, which is shocking since I was forced to read it for a class at my previous college for a social work course I was enrolled in. (It was utilized there because many of the principles contained within are principles in my chosen field.) I am going to look over your suggestions and find the one that fits for me. The one about Father Tim sounds like it would be right up my alley. I have been trying to get out of my own comfort zone with reading. Christian fiction/non-fiction is very much outside of it due to my LGBT status. I have found though I enjoy reading the genre cause I enjoy stories that have a spirituality about them, which is what led me to ask you. Also I recently finished the book "The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow" by Joyce Magnin and realized that there are books in the field that I would find to be worth my time in reading. If you want to recommend some non-fiction books I would be very willing to look at them as well. Religion is something I am really examining at this juncture of my life, so thanks. :-)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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I woke up this morning with what I hope might be a good suggestion: "The Chronicles of Narnia." C.S. Lewis started these stories for European children he took in during World War II. They are children's books, but I discovered them in my 20s and just loved them. By your love for your Oz books I'm lead to believe you might be open to these as well. Description, not my own, follows:
Set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a place where animals talk, magic is common, and good battles evil, the series narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of that world. Except in The Horse and His Boy, the protagonists are all children from the real world magically transported to Narnia, where they are called upon by the lion Aslan to protect Narnia from evil and restore the throne to its rightful line. The books span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in The Magician's Nephew, to its eventual destruction in The Last Battle.
Inspiration for the series is taken from multiple sources; in addition to numerous traditional Christian themes, characters and ideas are freely borrowed from Greek, Turkish and Roman mythology, as well as from traditional British and Irish fairy tales. The books have profoundly influenced adult and children's fantasy literature written since World War II. Lewis' exploration of themes not usually present in children's literature, such as religion as well as the book's perceived treatment of issues including race and gender, has caused some controversy.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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I have the big collected volume of the Narnia books sitting on my shelf. I only got through to A Horse and His Boy I believe was the title of it. I will put the collected volume on my tbr list immediately. That reminds me that I have his book Mere Christianity floating around on one of my bookshelves somewhere. Definitely going to make those books a priority in my reading next month since I have this month pretty much planned out. I am loving the recommendations here and going to try to get to as many of them as I can. Since I am going to actually purchase these books, I want to add more of this genre to my physical collection, it may be awhile before I am completed but that is part of the fun of reading. Collecting and finding the books and then finishing them off in a series finally. Thanks so much. Continue with any other recommendations you may think of as well.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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Back to the Shack: I very much enjoyed the attempt to portray Christ in his various guises as the trinity. The trinity is an extremely difficult concept to wrap one's mind around. I also enjoyed the way Jesus in his various forms expressed his love and friendship. My objection stems from the fact that God is presented through only one facet of his personality--his immense love and kindness. I am grateful for, and comforted by, that overwhelming love. But God also disciplines his children in ways we often don't understand, and he is also the God of judgment. I'm disturbed when a book about a one-dimensional God takes the lead on the best seller lists. It's not that what it said is bad or wrong, but when it stops there it's reaching a large audience with a poorly drawn picture of the power and glory of God. It was fine as far as it went, but In the end, it felt like a lie to me. In the Narnia books I've recommended, Aslan is the picture of Jesus. He if the friend of the children, their protector, and is willing to lay down his life for them. However, the phrase "Aslan is not a tame lion" is repeated several times. I don't want to lose sight of the fact that while God loves me, he is not at my command.
If I've taken this conversation further than you might think appropriate, please accept my apologies. I really enjoy your posts and interacting with you. I intend to have my own holocaust category next year and will be looking to you for the best suggestions, even though I've already added several of the books you've already read to my TBR,

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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John and Christy (both in this thread) also read Christian works and I'm sure can offer a wealth of additional suggestions.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Leslie, I actually am rather enjoying the conversation myself. No apologies necessary. I asked you about Christian fiction, which has to do with religion. If I didn't want your opinion I wouldn't have asked for it. I am enjoying seeing why you like or dislike a particular author. I do not read a lot of this genre and do not follow a lot of the theology so having someone else that does recommend books helps me out. That is the point of branching out isn't it? So again do not feel you are overstepping at all. You are doing exactly what I asked and backing why you feel a particular way about different books. If someone gets offended by what you are saying I am sorry but again you are only doing what I asked based on a recommendation.
I think the thing that made you upset is the thing that made me embrace the book so fully. In our modern society I see so much hatred ascribed to God. I know, as I was raised in a devout household, that he is not just a loving God, but I think a large portion of society has lost sight of the fact that he is a loving God at all. Instead they only want to only mention the hateful things that are present in some of the scripture. I was happy to see this book receive as many accolades as it did because it meant that some of the bible literalists that spew hate may have read it and will remember that there is indeed another side to this omniscient being. I think that is why I walked away from it with a different viewpoint. I didn't try to think of it as you did that it was only showing this one side of God. I thought of it as showing a side of God that society is seeming to forget in their own desire to have their individualistic views expressed. I took the book more as trying to teach us lessons of how to interact with each other as humans. The shack will always be in my top ten favorite books because of the message is conveys about loving each other. I wish more of the world would do that. Simply love their fellow man.
I looked up a bit about the people that you recommended and I know for a fact that I am going to start purchasing books by Frank Peretti and Jan Karon soon because they sound right up my alley. I am not feeling like I should support Mr. Alcorn though. I read something that discouraged me from that on his wiki page. He doesn't want churches to have to adhere to rules about same-sex marriage, abortion, and etc due to being religious organizations. I won't delve deep into this touchy area, but I can say as a reader I decide who my money funds or supports and his views clash too much with my views of the world. The others though sound right up my alley. Both (Peretti and Karon) sound like books that I would deeply appreciate and find enjoyable. I think I am going to purchase both of their first books next month to add to my reading pile for that month. :-D You have added so much to my next month TBR pile lol

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Mere Christianity is an excellent book, but given Lewis' brilliant mind I confess his non-fiction can easily outpace my ability to keep up. I read it in pieces so I could ponder what he had to say and really absorb it before moving on. You're young and still in learning mode so maybe it will come easier to you. I will let you know when I come across things I think you might find worthwhile. One of the things I found valuable about this challenge was the opportunity to create categories outside of my standard range of chosen books. Reading is entertainment, but I also enjoy growing in knowledge.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H (edited)

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I can appreciate what you have to say about the Shack. I too find that churches get polarized behind certain political lines. One of the parts in Alcorn's book was a discussion about the different political positions taken by black and white fundamentalist churches: the white churches tend to take the hardest stances on abortion, homosexuality and feminism, while the black churches are far more concerned with equality, discrimination, healthcare, and education. I am the product of that white fundamentalist church, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to accept its political positions. On the one hand, the preaching from the pulpit is that all sin is equal, on the other hand the church tends to stand behind political parties on the sole basis of their stand on the abortion issue, for example. What about the sin of withholding healthcare from the indigent because of a desire to hold down one's taxes? Anyway, I'm verging on the edge of a full-blown rant so will stop here. Suffice it to say that the juncture of faith and politics is a difficult place for everyone, even believers. I think that's why our forefathers opted for separation between church and state. If only it were that easy...

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour (edited)

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I do have some thoughts, though I don't read a lot of Christian fiction, because, as Leslie said, so much of it is so bad. I also recommend Lewis. If you like mysteries you might like the Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters. The series starts with A Morbid Taste for Bones. One of the aspects I really enjoyed with the series was the effort at an honest depiction of life in and around a monastry in the high middle ages. The greed and ugliness of certain aspects of life are there, but so is the honest effort of flawed men (and women) to live a life in service to God. Some of the later books include characters who have dedicated their lives to the care of lepers. No greater love.
Hmmm, I may have to fuss around with my categories for next year to make room for a Cadfael category.
As far as the politics goes, it's probably best if I hold my peace lest I stray into a nice rant.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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I've been toying with trying that series so thanks for this perspective. That type of honesty is appealing.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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I'd forgotten Cadfael. I've never read that series, but it's been recommended to me before. Must be time to add to my TBR!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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After much thought, I think what's missing from much Christian fiction is "flawed" people.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Exactly! That's an excellent point, Leslie. One of the reasons I like Burke so much is his Catholicity. His heros are deeply flawed men and women trying to do their best, and sometimes failing in spectacular fashion. And many of his villians are real people who have made bad choices, but are understandable and have their good qualities which Burke is willing to draw out. Having sown the wind, they reap the whirlwind. And it's the whirlwind that makes a really good story.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Booklover

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I'll second the Cadfael recommendation - great series! (and also the Narnia series - wonderful books)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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John, we are in complete agreement. Without flawed people there is no drama, and without drama, no story.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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What an interesting discussion, you guys!! Leaves room for much thought ...........

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Hi All,
Been off the boards a few days and will jump in with a few comments.
First, to Eric-LGBT and Christianity are not incompatible, despite what some of the fundamentalist churches may have one believe. Belief in Jesus has nothing to do with one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Others on this list may disagree and I will try to stick to books, but will just state that I have known some pretty darn faithful LGBT folk out doing the service/works and following the faithful example of Jesus. Perhaps you have just not been exposed to a more liberal/progressive Christian stance (I hate using words that have been co-opted as political words to describe religion, but there is both a co-mingling and a logical questioning of that, as Leslie pointed out).
OK...Books: I don't tend to read much Christian fiction (did read the Shack and would echo both the good and bad comments above about it-my own opinion was it was fair, had some value but was overly-simplified and I found the black mama god image a bit of a racist throw-back to the mammy archetype though I'm sure the authors intended to try to actually counter the all too pervasive white/male/patriarchal God image). I would echo support for Narnia and C.S. Lewis in general.
To add to the thread, one of my favorite books of all time was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Though not only Christian (it is basically a Jewish midrash on the old testament/Hebrew Biblical story of Dinah of Jacob), it is an amazing take off on biblical themes. A bit more simplistic in tone and theology but lots of fun is the Catholic mystery series about Fr. Blackie Ryan by Andrew Greeley.
Nonfiction is much easier to recommend in this area. Two of my absolute favorites: The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus by Amy Jill Levine, who is a Jewish professor and scholar of Christian Scriptures at Vanderbildt University (and amazing as a lecturer the one time I heard her in Berkeley) and Proverbs of Ashes: Violence, Redemptive Suffering and the Search for What Saves Us by Rebecca Parker and Rita Nakashima Brock, the former of the two being the president of the seminary I graduated from last year and someone whose Christian scholarship I hold deeply in respect. In this case, this is more a book of essays and less dense theology (for that, try their book Saving Paradise). I also liked A House for Hope that is a sort of liberal intro to theology by John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker.
I also would say many of the books by John Shelby Spong (Why Christianity Must Change or Die) or Marcus Borg can be good.
Good luck on plunging in to expanding the reading subject area and dipping in to religious themed works.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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@Christy - I agree with you. Fundamentally I am very devout in my religion, but I don't talk about it a lot due to my LGBT status on here. I actually is just aware of the right-wing. I have been exposed to both sides of that. I have seen the truly radical liberal and the ultra-conservative churches. I think both have their places in our modern society, but I am allowed to feel how I want as well in supporting either side. I actually decided I am going to give even the Randy Alcorn novels a chance because I still might like them. There is only ONE author I won't read because of his viewpoints on certain things (Orson Scott Card is that author. He irritates me)
I am also going to look over the books you have recommended and add them to my tbr pile. I am enjoying having this discussion because everyone is being very civilized about it all and honestly we are all stating our own accurate opinions without throwing or flinging mud at each other. We are all being very respectful and I appreciate that with such a possible heated discussion. :-)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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@Leslie I just made myself giggle very loudly. I was moving books that I have read to a new shelf that I bought so that I can separate out the books I have read from the ones I have not (the books that I have not read outweigh the ones I have). While I was going through my bookshelves though I came across a book I bought randomly when I was at a used bookstore with a friend. I have a tendency to pick-up books that sound interesting even if I have never heard of them. They usually get read months after I purchased them. Lo and behold though one of them was Jan Karon's A Home in Mitford!!! So guess what is on top of my tbr list for next month!!! I totally forgot I had even purchased it!!! lol

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Eric, that's terrific. Clearly you'd decided before I suggested it that Jan Karon's books were worth checking out. One of the things I've enjoyed about this group is that without exception everyone has been nice and seems to have a good attitude and willingness to treat everyone else with respect. I've visited a few other websites where that has not been the case and quickly made my exit. Maybe readers share some fundamental connection that helps us see the good in each other. Okay, so that's far fetched, but it's a fantasy that makes me happy!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Just finished "A Town Like Alice" by Nevil Shute, a lovely book I don't think I'll ever forget. Now beginning "Stay Close" by Harlan Coben.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
dustydigger

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Nevil Shute was an extremely popular writer a few decades ago,now sadly fading,but he wrote some very engrossing novels,and Town Like Alice is a great book.Non sensational(think what some authors would have done with the story!),but always quiet but heartwarming tales of pretty ordinary people who show courage and integrity without flash.I am intending to read Trustee from the Toolroom soon.I know nothing whatever about it,but am confdent it will be a good read :0)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Dusty, I too would like to read more works by Shute.
I finished Halan Coben's "Stay Close." As usual he had me turning the pages as fast as I could consume them, needing desperately to know what happens next. I was completely surprised by the ending--always a good thing in a mystery.
Now back to "Auntie Mame," which I had to set aside in order to get my library kindle book read before it disappeared on me.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Sheri (edited)

My list for July:

1. To Love A Stranger by Connie Mason ✔
2. Warrior by Elizabeth Lowell ✔
3. Girl's Guide To Hunting & Kissing by Joanne Rock ✔
4. Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward ✔
5. Beauty And The Beast by Hannah Howell (carried over to August)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

Read
Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks, ★★★★★

Reading Now
Sexiest Vampire Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Joand2girls (edited)

List for July
Books read will be bolded.

The golden Lily by Richelle Mead
Conspiraciy in Death by JD Robb
Once burned by Jeaniene Frost
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
To Sir Phillip, whith love by Julia Quinn
Splendor by Anna Godbersen
Tithe by Holly Black
If you Desire by Kresley Cole
Kiss of a demon king by Kresley Cole
The summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Vision in white by Nora RobertsListening
Shadow of night by Deborah Harkness
Rapture by Lauren Kate

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 29 replies

Joand2girls

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Finished Once burned I absolutely loved it. I am so glad that Vlad has his own spin off series. Anyone know how many books will be a part of the series? Can't wait for the next one.
Next in line is Romancing Mr Bridgerton

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L (edited)

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Oh my, Vlad followed by Colin Bridgerton. What a nice way to start the month :).

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Sharon is an emotional book junkie

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Joand2girls....i heard there will be 2 books, next one March 19 i think.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls (edited)

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Sharon - I have the next one on my list but was not sure how many she would do. Thanks for the info.
Erin - yes great way to start the month (lots of yummy men) I also have some Roarke in the mix as I am currently listening to Conspiracy in death and boy this is a good one. I finished Romancing Mr. Bridgerton today and I absolutley loved Colin. I am going to jump right into To Sir Phillip, with Love

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Conspiracy is really good, my most favorite in the series.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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You guys are a bad influence. You got me intrigued with Mr. Bridgerton, so I looked them up... the whole series has been added to my TBR. Grrr... the list just gets longer and longer.
*sigh* Is it bad that I'm perfectly okay with bad influences like this in my life?

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Lol! I know what you mean, Karree. My TBR has grown to monstrous proportions since I joined shelfari and like you, I am perfectly okay with it.
I've read many of the Bridgerton books and I think you'll find them to be time well spent (or at least that's how I felt about the series).

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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@Karree, I am so with you on that! It could be so much worse than book addictions and never ending tbr piles!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Yes a good series to add to the TBR pile.
Let's see I finished to Sir Phillip with love and it is my least favorite in the series so far. Also finished conspiracy and loved it. I am on vacation with the family and have no time to read after our busy days but I am slowly reading the summoning.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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I felt that way about Sir Phillip as well, Jo.
Enjoy your vacation! :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Last day of vacation today and I only finished 2 books. Finished The Summoning and If you desire. I liked If you desire but the first book in this series was better in my opinion. Still it did not dissapoint and I can't wait to read the last of the trilogy I have a feeling it will be a good one.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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I haven't read If You Desire yet. I read the first one and loved it but so enjoyed the third. Ethan is such a great character. A Tortured hero bent on revenge. I love me some tortured scarred heroes.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Thanks Christina - will look forward to it then.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Reading Splendor the last book in this series so far so good. I have heard mixed reviews on the ending and I am hoping not to be dissapointed

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls (edited)

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Finished Splendor it was a good ending to this series.
Next I have 2 library books will start with Rapture the last book in the YA series Fallen. Then will move on to Shadow of night the book following A discovery of witches.
For my audio book I am getting started on Tithe

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls (edited)

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I am not really enjoying Tithe there are too many aspects in this book that are just annoying. There is quite a bit of swearing and drinking and smoking all done by young characters. Not sure if this will be the entire book but it sure has started off that way. I am thinking I will not continue the series once I finish this book so I will look to replace 2 books on my Angels/Fairies category.
Anyone read this series? Is it worth continuing or should I move on?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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I own these but I have yet to read them. I had heard a couple of good things, but now im not sure if I should bother. Is there a point to the story so far or are the characters just hanging out?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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There is a point to the story and it is starting to get a bit better but still not my favorite. I have read better books from this author. It could just be me.
Finished Rapture the last book in the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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another one I have to buy soon!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls (edited)

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I finished Tithe the end was better than the beggining but all in all not my favorite I will not be contibuing the series unless I hear redeming reviews from the next 2 books.
Still reading Shadow of Night and I am loving the story, the history, the romance and pretty much everything in this book.
Next on my list is the audio of Nora Roberts' Vision in white

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I just realized I have read 90 books :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Wow! Jo, that's awesome. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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That's great!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I may actually make the 144 goal - I thought it would be an impossibility to achieve. The best part has been all the great characters I have met in these books and the journey with all of you :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Sharon is an emotional book junkie

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wtg Joand2girls....that's amazing!!!!
do u win? LOL!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I finished Shadow of night what a beautiful magical journey. Can't wait for the next one.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Good to hear...I will be reading that one next month.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Kris you are going to love it

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls (edited)

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Finished my las book of July Kiss of a demon king and I loved it. All that sexual tension mmmmm

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Eric P (edited)

I normally do not have a set plan for my reading, but this is the first month that I have one. I am trying to stay on a plan since I am in less groups and such now. Also think it will help me to actually read more on my physical shelves.

1.The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker (started on July 4, 2012)
2. 2nd chance by James Patterson
3. ~~Surrender by Sonya Hartnett~~
4. ~~Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman~~
5. ~~The Gift by Peter Dickinson~~
6. ~~The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (started on 7/1/2012) (Finished on July 4, 2012)~~
7. ~~Doctor Who: The Story of Martha~~
8. Doctor Who: The Pirate Loop
9. Further Tales of the city by Armistead Maupin
10. ~~Fear Street Senior: The Thirst by R.L. Stine~~
11. ~~Fear Street Senior: No Answer by R.L. Stine~~
12. ~~Fear Street Senior: Last Chance by R.L. Stine~~
13. ~~Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath~~
14. Kiss The Girls by James Patterson
15. Effective Grant-Writing
16. Selected Readings: Statistics and Research Methods
17. ~~No Straight Lines edited by Justin Hall~~

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 15 replies

Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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I really liked Whiskey Sour! Hope you enjoy.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Just because you set a plan does not mean you need to stick to it 100%. It helps me get organized since I get so much from the library but it is more of a guide for the month that a set plan.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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@Joand2girls I know. This month though I would like to keep to it just so once I can state that I did. Next month when I make my next plan I will probably deviate from it fully. I tend to enjoy not sticking to a set plan because it allows me to read a variety of things that I might have never read. I tend to keep my book reading open for that reason, this month though I want to test those waters of sticking to a plan since it is not something I am very good at lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Stuck to my plan thus far. I just finished The Fault In Our Stars which in my opinion is a masterpiece which deserves to be devoured. I recommend it highly to everyone. Now I am moving onto The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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OH, I can't wait to hear what you think of The Great and Secret Show. I haven't read this one, but have read others of Barker's stuff. Doesn't he have a beautifully twisted mind?! I'm in awe of his talent.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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I'll be adding John Green to my tbr. I've heard really good things about his books.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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@Liz- I rather liked this first book that I have read of his. I highly recommend getting to it as soon as you can. You won't walk away from it unscathed. It is just that good of a book.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Read two of the Fear Street seniors series, still have to get the reviews of them done. I also finished No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics last night as well. It was great to read something in that area again. I seriously need to make these a priority. Reading at least one a month is a worthwhile goal for me to have. This month I will probably have two since I still plan on reading the next Tales of the City book.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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I am currently reading The Story of Martha featuring various writers. It is a Doctor Who book that I have been wanting to read for some time. Glad that i am finally reading it. It feels like watching an episode of the series. This is the only book that I am aware of that fits in the continuity of the show. I won't give anything away but it is something big from the Martha Jones series of the show.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Just finished The Story of Martha and now going to read Dance Hall of the Dead because I have it checked out from the library. Really enjoyed the Doctor Who book though and it makes me ready to read the rest of them that are on my list for the challenge. Can't wait!!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Just finished Dance Hall of the Dead. This was for a group read on facebook that I am in. I hope I do not have to read another Tony Hillerman book any time within the near future. I do not overly enjoy his books, but they were chosen so I read them. (rolls eyes for two people picking him in a row in that group) I am not sure what I am going to read next. I need to look at my list of books I wanted to read this month. I believe it is going to be The Great and Secret Show since I want to finish it and it is a rather long book. I have gotten a lot of my reads already out of the way, so going to this one now won't upset me with the length of it.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Finished Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konroth. Very good book in my opinion. Was pleased with the mystery and how it all turned out. Not sure yet what I am going to read next. Will figure it out probably in a bit. Thinking it will either be the other Doctor Who book or one of the James Patterson books I want to read this month.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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I decided to start reading a kindle book I had for the month called P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern, which thus far it is pretty darn good. I love how the emotions are written and it feels so true to life. Not normally the type of read I would take on, but again thus far very good. This is me only about 72 pages into the 372 pages though so we will see. :-)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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Finished P.S. I Love You and I highly recommend it. It is a great book about having to move on from grief, even though for the main character it takes awhile. Everything that happens in the book feels nicely done and expertly written for what was needed in this story of love-lost due to passing. I am now reading an ARC of When Dark Secrets Get Darker that I have had for awhile. It isn't my normal style of mystery, but it is still interesting to read.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Eric P

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When Dark Secrets Get Darker definitely was geared towards a different audience than me, but it was still interesting to see where the book went. My review will be up on my blogging site next week. Now I need to move onto the next book in the Fear Street Seniors for my friday posting. This new blogging stuff is keeping me busy lol

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Monica

I only have three books on my plan this month:

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford (MADIOS)
The Secret by Julie Garwood (MADIOAS)
Untraceable by Laura Griffin (MADIOAS)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 7 replies

Monica

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Reading A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James. Yep, I have three books on my monthly plan, and I've already strayed. ;)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Lol!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Lol!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kristen

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Lol!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Makes me feel better. ;)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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That's the way to do it, monica! To heck with a plan!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Monica, I think you might be on to something. lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Amy - Liz

It's going to be a tight month for me this month so instead of buying anymore books (and I will get my partner to change my Amazon password if I have to!), I will be catching up on all the books I have sitting on my bookshelf which I haven't started yet.

Rapture by Lauren Kate
Life Eternal by Yvonne Wood
Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn
One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost (Ok I am buying this one but thats with left over birthday money so I'm allowing that :P )

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 7 replies

Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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i tell myself the same thing every month!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Tyger0902

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Mines more like everyday. lol
Who can resist free books that sound good? No one lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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Finished One Grave at a Time today. Loved it and very upset I'm now up to date with the Night Huntress series - I want more Cat and Bones! However, I am starting Once Burned tonight and Vlad is my favourite character :)
Jessica S and Tyger0902 - I was doing so well.........until today when I realised a book was out yesterday I've been waiting for since last autumn! I'm fighting with myself as to whether I should get it when I go to a book signing tomorrow (I'll be in a book shop....how can I come out empty handed?!) or if I should wait until next month lol

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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I always say got for it, especially is you are gong to be in a bookstore and you can get it signed?! No brainer for me!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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Ok, so I wasn't meant to buy anymore books..........but I had to get Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter! She is slowly becoming my favourite author, I love Lords of the Underworld and I loved this one too! Can't wait to read this series! :D

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Ive read all of the LOTU books so far. I think she is ok. There are too many similarities to BDB for me. Ive read them all because I cant stop reading books in series. I did buy Wicked Nights only because I liked Zacharel and im interested in how she will write and portray him on a more personal level.
Have you read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series? I highly recommend it.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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I love BDB! Another favourite. I loved LOTU because of the similarities between it and BDB, but I could also see big differences in them too if that makes any sense. I love how she developed Zacharel's character, and I'm interested in the other angels too and their stories.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Christy Baker

Well, I only finished four books completely in June, but did make significant progress on my large read biography that I'm determined to finish this month. (And I'm going to do a very big happy dance when it is finally done, not that I'm not enjoying it, but it was a hefty undertaking).

July Plan
Finishing up from prior months:
1. Elizabeth I (3/4 of the way done)
2. Musicophilia (audio version begun last week)
3. Falling to Pieces Without Falling Apart (1/4 read so far)
4. New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver (likely won't finish this, but reading a couple each day)

Other July Possibilities
5. To Catch a Cat by Marian Babson
6. A Haunted House and other Short Stories by Virginia Woolf
7. The Sunday Philosophy Club

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Janon (Noni Fro) (edited)

Read
Son of the Morning by Linda Howard ★★★★☆
Dark Corners by Liz Schulte ★★☆☆☆

Reading
Once Burned by J. Frost

Up Next
Bared to You by S. Day

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Eadie B (edited)

July 2012 Reading List
69. Heartburn by Nora Ephron - read
70. Skating Around The Law - Joelle Charbonneau - read
71. The Observations - June Harris - read
72. Whiplash River - Lou Berney - read
73. A Perfect Evil - Alex Kava - reading
74. The Broken Teaglass - Emily Arsenault
75. Miss Me When I'm Gone - Emily Arsenault
76. Cruel Death - M. William Phelps
77. If There Be Dragons - Kay Hooper
78. Face To Face - Ellery Queen
79. The Prisoner of Heaven - Carlos Ruiz Zafron - reading
80. The Fear Artist - Timothy Hallinan
81. I Feel Bad About My Neck - Nora Ephron - read

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 5 replies

Kris

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I LOVE Heartburn!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eadie B

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I did too! I'm getting some of her other books to read too!
I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts On Being A Woman
I Remember Nothing and Other Reflections
She really had a great sense of humor!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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I really enjoy her humour and the universality of it. I read I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts On Being A Woman and it is great for any age!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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"I Feel Bad About My Neck" definitely had some LOL moments for me. Hope you enjoy it as well.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Eadie B

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I'm sure that I will!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Leah K (edited)

Planned Reads for July (bound to change as always)

~~Strike~~ = completed. Italicized = currently reading.

The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin
Inkspell by Cornelia Funke I accidentally packed this book in the midst of moving. It will have to wait.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History S. C. Gwynne
General James Longstreet : the Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier by Jeffry Wert
Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney (★ ★ ★)
Samuel Adams: The Life of an American Revolutionary by John K. Alexander
The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta(★ ★ ★ ★)
On the Edge: My Story by Richard Hammond

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 11 replies

john seymour

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I will be interested to see what you think of your choices this month - an interesting set.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leah K

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I am in the midst of moving (right after getting home from evacuation) so not sure how much time I'll have to read but really hoping to get through at least a couple of these!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Not that with all you've been through my curiosity should factor into what you read, but I'm most curious about the books on Parker, Longstreet and Adams and the Hangman's Daughter. Not that my curiosity would have any import even if you had had an entirely uneventful June. :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leah K

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Well you're in luck. Longstreet and Adams are from the library and have to be read soon and I have to review Hangman's Daughter this month and maybe it's sequel if I have time (the sequel isn't listed on my list yet) ;).

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Better lucky than good. :)

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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Wow, those that John is interested in are intriguing titles! That Quana Parker book and the Confederate soldier (Longstreet) - let us know how they tally up?? But with all you have on your plate, Leah K, you may have to push them to next month!

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leah K

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Marie- I'm expecting that to be the case. I usually read 1-3 books a week. I haven't finished a book in nearly 3 weeks! I assume the next 3 weeks will be about the same. Most of these books are rollover from last month already lol.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Leah K

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Starting on Samuel Adams: The Life of an American Revolutionary by John K. Alexander

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Is it bad that as soon as I saw the Samuel Adams part I assumed this was a book about beer?

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Christina - That is TOO funny.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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<grin>....If only I was a beer drinker I could be indulging in history and libations all at once while consuming history (books of course). Alas, I'm a predominantly wine and occasional spirits drinker and lack a good book title to complement such.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Karree B (edited)

I've come to realize that planning does me no good. Why? I make a plan, forget all the new stuff is going to be delivered soon, then have to modify my plan when they all start to show up. So here's how it looks right now. And see, it still looks like a plan, doesn't it? Garck! Most of these should be pretty quick reads, so I should be able to jump back into my 12 X 12 plan pretty easily.

Darkness Devours by Keri Arthur ✔
Grave Memory by Kalayna Price ✔
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare ✔
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare ✔
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
The Witch is Back by H.P. Mallory
A Lethal Outlook by Victoria Laurie ✔
In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell
Cloaked in Malice by Annette Blair ✔
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 18 replies

Karree B

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Done with Grave Memory and boy was it engrossing. Sucked in from the first and didn't let go until I passed out at 4am. I finished it off this morning/early afternoon when I finally stumbled out of bed.
Alex isn't like some strong female characters. She makes no apologies for who she is. She screws up, but it's not like some characters that keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Alex's mistakes seem to be more about growing pains or learning experiences. So, even though she screws up, she seems to learn from it.
I love the men in this series and especially this book. We see conflict seep from Falin and Death both. What they all want and what they can all have seem to be at different ends of the spectrum, but they also all seem to be a work in progress. I'm loving (but will eventually probably hate) where this series is going. I'm enjoying the ride.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Finished City of Glass and moving on to the next in the series, City of Fallen Angels .

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Done with City of Fallen Angels and Cloaked in Malice. Moving on to Lethal Outlook.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Done with Lethal Outlook. Getting started on Shadow of Night. hehe... I couldn't put it off any longer.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I am going to get started on Shadow of night today :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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So envious! I'm still waiting to get it from the library!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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I got on the waiting list for this one as soon as the library listed it so I got it pretty quick. I wish I would have bought it on my kindle as the font is small and it has tons of pages. Would have been easier to read on the kindle. It is very good so far although I had forgotten quite a bit from the previous book and wishing I would have done a re-read.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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I wish I'd done a re-read too. I feel like I'm progressing through Shadow very slowly. I try to keep in mind that I did the exact same thing with Discovery. It seemed like the first third of the book just drug on... then once it got going, I dove in full on.
HOWEVER, I have been having some crazy drama in my house, so I think that might be slowing me down some too. Our water heater burst (we think it started out as a slow leak) and destroyed one-third of the hardwood floors in our house. Since we're switching to a tankless water heater, the plumber won't be able to do the work (more labor intensive than a direct replacement) for another week (the week we're going on vacation). Cold showers REALLY let you know what you're made of.
Tonight I ate dessert first, chocolate pie. Then I washed it down with a glass of bourbon. There might not be a more perfect pairing in this world... chocolate and bourbon.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Lol! I like your style:) Sorry about the water heater drama but I've always been a staunch believer that bourbon can cure just about anything that ails ya! The chocolate pie is just so right on a lot of levels.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Oh no! So sorry to hear of the destroyed floors (I love hardwood) and cold showers (brrrr!). I probably shouldn't say this given that I'm reading/listening to a book called Women, Food, and God about emotional eating, but in all truth, I fully support the occasional chocolate/alcohol anything combination to assuage all stress at least momentarily (Can I make mine a good glass of California Cabernet to join you? Or at least some Irish whiskey? Happy to do baking to replenish treats and contribute)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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So sorry to hear that Karree. We once came back from a three week vacation to discover that a pinprick leak in a water pipe and 2" of water in our finished basement that I had just completed re-doing.
I am allergic to chocolate, but I can join you in a solidarity bourbon. I'll make mine a double just to make up for the lack of chocolate.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Oh no sorry to hear about the leak and the water heater. Nothing wrong with the chocolate/bourbon combo sounds great to me. I think I am getting into Shadow much quicker than I did Discovery but you are right it seems like it takes a while before you are sucked in - and maybe I would have gotten there quicker have I read them back to back.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Thanks guys! lol...
It's rare that I'm an emotion eater, but when I do, I do it right! And it's usually only during times of great stress. Usually it's chocolate chip cookie dough. Yep, the stuff never makes it to the oven... raw! I think it may have been the anxiety of not knowing what was going to happen hat was getting to me. CONTROL FREAK!!! Now that the adjuster has been here and said that the whole downstairs hardwood is a complete loss, I'm all better. Now I can make firm plans on getting it all repaired and get settled back in.
I'm good with wine. I have several that I'm completely in love with. One brand (Casa Lapostolle) is a particular favorite. I love everything they come out with. I'm good with Irish whiskey too. I'm pretty fond of Redbreast (15 year) and Jameson (18 year). I'm looking to try the other years, but haven't made it through them yet.
John, is it possible to recover from a soaked life? lol. It feels like this incident has consumed the better part of our lives... for the time being.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christy Baker

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Sorry to hear it was a total loss.
I'll have to try the Casa Lapostolle and the Redbreast; I'm not familiar with either. I have a lot of fave wines including Sterling, Thumbprint, Matanzas Creek, and LaCrema. Irish whiskey I lean toward Bushmills in various years as the budget allows, though I drink it pretty infrequently. It's much easier to go to every other wine bar and winery in this part of California.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Had to think for a second and then realized you were talking about the water damage, not the Irish whiskey. (I'm a Jameson's drinker myself - but that's mostly for the memories.) But yes, it is. I hope your insurance covers you. It covered us and a month or so later everything was back better than it was before. All the carpet was replaced, all the walls stripped out and replaced. But I've never left a house for an extended period since then without shutting the water off.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Christy, thanks for the recommendations. I'll have to loo those up.
John, thanks for the tip. We're leaving today for vacation... 12 days.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Enjoy your vacation

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Marie T

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Water can be so wonderful - and so awful! My FL place has just had an incident, too - while I'm 1200 miles away! Someone turned on the outside faucet and water went all throughout from the bathroom ssink. I know I shut off the water before I got into the van picking me up for the airport. The adjuster has been there, will call me in a few days to discuss what has to be done. There's a long and involved story here, but suffice it to say that I know what you're going through - it's scary and upsetting. And I don't even drink wine or whiskey - just read and play on this computer!! Ugh!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism" (edited)

Finished
Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian. 5 stars
Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian. 3 stars
Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian. 3 stars
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost, 5 stars
Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter, 5 stars

Reading
Mockingjay, book 3 of the Hunger Games by Collins

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 13 replies

Karree B

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Woo hoo! Great plan! Vlad rocks and can you ever go wrong with Lara Adrian?

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Exactly. Im trying to speed read Ashes of Midnight because its due in the library and someone else has a hold on it so, i cant extend my time with it. Also because I want to know what Vlad is all about!!! *wink* *wink*

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism" (edited)

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finished
Veil of Midnight, 3.00 stars. It was just ok for me (when it comes to the romance story). The progression of the story arc was good. I was so upset about what happened at the Darkhaven in Berlin. I feel awful for Reichen. Very attracted to Hunter though. Rrrr!!!!!
Reading
Ashes of Midnight

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism" (edited)

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Finished
Ashes of Midnight, another 3 stars. I like how Andreas wanted his vengeance and got it. I had a little bit of a problem with the female love interest. Yes, she was committed but I dont like it when they are made to be "soft" or unable to kick a$$. She seemed weak to me.
Now Reading
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
dustydigger

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I found this the most disappointing of the series.I liked Andreas very much in the previous book,and was so looking forward to the next book]I disliked the cruel bloodthirsty person the author turned him into,and I too found the romance a bit weak.The next one in the series was much better-but Ashes was the waste of an intriguing character

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Good to know that the next one is better. I wanted to rate it a 3........i mite change it. the more i look at my current rating, the more i dont like it.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Lauren B

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I was also disappointed in Ashes of Midnight but the next one Shades of Midnight is one of my favorites in the series.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Finished
Once Burned. Great book, interesting capability that Leila has and how she got it. I hope to see more than just two books with Vlad
Now Reading
Wicked NIghts. Started it a couple of days ago and i REALLY like it!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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I loved Wicked Nights, it was brilliant! Hope you enjoy it too

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Amy!!! Loved Wicked Nights. I have read LOTU by Showalter and always thought they where good but caught myself getting angry a couple of time because the characters are simily to BDB. I love BDB too much. But, Showalter redeemed herself with me with this new series. The characters arent like any in other books/series i have read, Annbelle was great and Zacharel?! Ugh, just so darn perfect. I really liked this book (even though I saw the issue behind the demon less than halfway in), I like where this new series can go and I cant wait to book 2 to come out. 5 stars!
Now reading, Mockingjay, book 3 in the Hunger Games trilogy.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Amy - Liz

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Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed it! For me it was just as good as the LOTU series. I will admit the characters where better written in this one though. I agree with you about Zacharel. Just perfect!
Enjoy Mockingjay - thats another favourite of mine! :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Joand2girls

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Enjoy Mockingjay - I love that series this last book has some ups and downs and hopefully you are happy with the ending I know not all agree but I thought it was fitting

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jessica S "antidisestablishmentarianism"

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Whoa........I finished Mockingjay last night. What a book! Shocking, upsetting, unbelievable, brutally honest. I loved this intallment in the Hunger Games series. I was a bit upset at what happened to a couple of the characters. The author tied things up in an interesting way. You cant help but be upset and exhausted at the end of it yet relieved. ****spoiler alert***** I cant believe that Gale just walked away from her and never looked back. Thats just crazy. The book is my favorite in the series, 5 stars.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

Read
Sexiest Vampire Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks, ★★★★★

Reading Now
Promise Me by Harlan Coben

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Tyger0902 (edited)

This is it for now. I would have finished #71 and #72 if I didn't land in the hospital and on pain meds in June so they move to this month's plan.

71. And Still, She Wept by T.C. Barnes (546) 07/01 (from last month) ★★★★1/2
72. Yesterday's Gone Season One: Episodes 1-6 by Sean Platt, David W. Wright (461) (from last month)
73. One Heart - Two Souls by E. Kelly (262) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/08 ★★★
74. Graves' End: A Magical Thriller by Traver, Sean Patrick (364) (FBaC mini book and chat) 07/15 ★★★
75. Untraceable (The Tracers: Book 1) by Laura Griffin (374) (MADIAOS) 07/19 ★★★★
76. The Three Gifts by Daris Howard (143) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/20 ★★★
77. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig (277) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/26 ★★★
78. Three Wishes by Stephanie Bond (144) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/23★★★
79. Three Strikes (A Picker Mystery) by Scott Soloff (41) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/31 ★★★
80. From Zero to Four Kids by Amy L. Peterson (262) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/29 ★★★
81. Five Days Notice by Simon Smith-Wilson (200) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/27 ★★★
82. The Five Pearls by Barry James Hickey (250) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/28 ★★★ 1/2
83. Six Moon Summer by S. M. Reine (200) (Bookworms CC's Double Dare) 07/24 ★★★★
84. Psion Beta by Jacob Gowan (370) (RKB Heather's pick for me) 07/23 ★★★★★
85. Four Johns and a Jill The Max and Molly Murder Mystery Series) by James Hockings (127) 07/31 ★★★

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Liz (Bugetta) (edited)

Reading Plan for July:
➡✔ ★☊

Audiobooks:
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
✔ Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris 4★s
☊ Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
✔ For the Win by Cory Doctorow 3★s
✔ A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris 4★s

Library Books:
Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
Straight by Hanne Blank

AOTM/Challenges:
✔ Seduction by Amanda Quick 4★s
➡ Untraceable by Laura Griffin

New Series/Authors:
✔ Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs 4★s

Continuing Series:
✔ Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs 4★s
➡ Dime Store Magic by Kelly Armstrong
The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
✔ The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley 4.5★s
✔ River Marked by Patricia Briggs 4.5★s

Books Not on the Original Plan:
✔ Eland by Allyson James 3★s
✔ Aiden and Ky by Allyson James 4★s
✔ Collision Course by K. A. Mitchell 4.5★s
✔ Bonk by Mary Roach 4★s
✔ Rees by Allyson James 3.5★s
➡ Maia and Rylan by Allyson James

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

show 8 replies

Liz (Bugetta)

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I've been super busy at work and not in the mood for the computer when I get home, which is why I haven't been on much. Here's what I've read so far this month:
A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
Seduction by Amanda Quick. I love her older historicals. So much better than what she writes these days.
Eland and Aiden and Ky by Allyson James (aka Jennifer Ashley). A great erotic romance series with a sci fi/futuristic feel. It's very steamy and well written.
River Marked by Patricia Briggs. Wah! I'm done with Mercy.
Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs
For the Win by Cory Doctorow. YA SciFi story that was entertaining, but at times felt like a lecture on economics.
Now I'm reading Cry Wolf and listening to Dead and Gone.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Kris

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Good job, Liz...sounds fun.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta) (edited)

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Whew! Fiscal Close is over!
I read a lot during year end. I couldn't do much more than work and read and eat and sleep. :)
Here's what I read the past 11 days:
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley
Collision Course by K. A. Mitchell
Untraceable by Laura Griffin.
Now I'm reading Dime Store Magic. I'm excited to get back to the Women of the Otherworld! I'm also listening to Bonk by Mary Roach and Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Enjoy Dime Store ... and Lucas Cortez ;).

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta)

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I so excited. I loooooove geeky heroes. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Well you're in for a real treat with Lucas then!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Liz (Bugetta) (edited)

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@Erin, I can't wait. I got a little sidetracked from my plan....
I read Rees and started Maia and Rylan, both by Allyson James and added more to my "Books Not on the Original Plan" section of my reading plan. :-D I also finished listening to Bonk by Mary Roach. I highly recommend this very funny book about when science meets sex in the research lab.
Now I'm really going to start Dime Store Magic. :)

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Lol!

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

Finished reading Promise Me by Harlan Coben 4 ★'s. Now I'm reading Born To Bite by Lynsay Sands.

posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

Finished Born To Bite 5 ★'s. Now I'm reading Hungry For You both by Lynsay Sands.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

Finished Hungry For You 5 ★'s. Now I'm reading The Reluctant Vampire both by Lynsay Sands.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jenny k

Finishing up:
The Fifth Witness- Michael Connely
Stories I only Tell my Friends- Rob Lowe
Private Games- James Patterson

Starting:
Torn- Amanda Hocking
Rapture- Lauren Kate

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Lauren B removed this reply 10 months ago.

Ursula

Finished reading The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands 5 ★'s. Now I'm reading Die Trying by Lee Child.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

show 19 replies

Karree B

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WOO HOO!!! I luuuuuurve Jack Reacher! lol... I love Lee Child too!
Tom Cruise bought the rights to the Jack Reacher series and is ramping up to release the first movie. This sucks for most lovers of the series. Cruise is trying to play Reacher, and he's completely destroyed any resemblance to the story or the character. I'll probably go see it, just so I can complain about how bad he screwed it up.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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I'm struggling with 5'8" Tom playing 6'3" Jack Reacher. Reacher's size is so integral to the character.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Believe me, I am too. Grrrrr...
Have you seen the trailer? My gang of pals and I were... uh, how can I put this nicely... crapping cats. In the words of my dear friend. "Uh no, I'm just not feeling it. He's no Reacher."

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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What a shame. I actually have deliberately avoided the trailer...I'm still in denial. And, the funny thing is, I'm a fan of Cruise's Mission Impossible series and loved him in Risky Business. This just doesn't work.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Anyone know when the Reacher movie is supposed to hit theatres? I'd like to read the first book before it comes out. I've heard so much about Jack Reacher. I'm scared to google the movie to find out for myself because I DO NOT want to struggle to get Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher out of my mind when I decide to read the book. I'm avioding the trailer and any pictures floating around out there.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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It will be in theaters on December 21, 2012.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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Thanks, Jonetta. I'll have to be sure to fit in at least the first book before then.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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Read Reacher as soon as possible before you unwittingly end up seeing Tom's smug face on a Reacher poster. You cannot unring that bell.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Erin L

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LOL! My thoughts exactly, Christina. I'm working on making room for it :).

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
john seymour

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Cruise as Jack Reacher?!!! What idiot came up with that idea? He's too bloody short and too hollywood even in his action flicks. Arrrrggggh. I HATE Hollywood. Casting an actor I loath in the role of one of my favorite book characters. Oh well, every cloud has a silver lining, in order to give Cruise the appropriate stature, they'll need to hire every short actor in the country for the rest of the cast.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Lee Child approved Tom but I suspect that may have more to do with box office proceeds than the role model. I'm just disappointed that the book franchise will be forever defined by Tom for future films. It changes everything.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Child approved Tom, but I think that was because he got strong armed into it. Word on the street is that Tom bought the film rights to the series.He's the producer so he really is making all the calls.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Grrr. I'm not surprised if he was actually muscled into doing the deal. Has Tom read the books I wonder? That's a bit of arrogance to see yourself as fitting Reacher.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Given everyone's adulation of Jack Reacher I'm embarrassed to admit I've never heard of this character. It would seem I must be missing out on something important.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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I'm not sure about being important but the series is certainly entertaining. The series is Jack Reacher by Lee Child and we selected the first book, Killing Floor, as a group read in the Mystery & Suspense group some months ago. Reacher's physical presence is an important part of the stories' plots so the casting of Tom Cruise in the role raises concerns and stretches credibility.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Leslie H

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Another addition to the TBR.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Karree B

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Leslie, I'd say it's an excellent addition to your TBR. I wouldn't trade my hours with Jack Reacher for anything in the world. He is an absolute favorite of mine. And Jonetta, hit the nail on the head... "stretching credibility" is a very nice way of phrasing things.
I always pictured someone more like Ray Stevenson.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

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Exactly! I'd pictured Michael Biehl who looks similar to Stevenson.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000299/

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
Christina T.

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I always pictured a young Dolph Lundgren http://www.starscolor.com/imgs/181-dolph-lundgren-2.html
Daniel Craig is even closer to my vision of Reacher than Tom.... http://www.topnews.in/light/files/Daniel-Craig001.jpg

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Marie T

I've finished several books in the past few days (visiting a sister and finding time to read in spite of all the stuff we've done). Probably it's because i don't go on the computer as much, so I can spend the time reading. Yesterday i finished The Long Way Home by Karen McQuestion (5 stars) and loved it. I'd seen several reviews of this book that made me wonder if I'd find it as good as I did but thankfully it was (to me) great. The differences in how we react to what we read never ceases to amaze me! Now I've just finished The Cougar by Lindsay McKenna and will rate it 4 stars and then will choose some other book on my Kindle - loads to choose from there.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

I finished reading The Outlaw Demon Wails 5 ★'s. Now I'm reading Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ursula

I finished Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris 5 ★'s. Now I'm reading Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick.

posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Carol P

Just finished Mortal Fear - Greg Iles. Excellent, couldn't put it down.
Now reading - The Surgeon - Tess Gerritsen.
Next - Jack and Jill - James Patterson.

12X12 Reading Challenge