Tag Archives: review

I read 47 books this year which is an average of 3.9 books per month. Of those 47 books only 2 books were non-fiction. I’d really like to read more non-fiction in 2009 – consider that a goal. I gave up on 4 books in 2008 – one of which was a non-fiction book. I’m still currently reading 2 books, both non-fiction.

My reading goals for 2009 are

1. read more non-fiction – no need to go crazy as it’s clearly not a genre I prefer but more than two for sure – I think biographies will be my best bet.
2. Since I read 47 this year I want to read at least 50 next year – I hardly think that’s too much to strive for.
3. I’ve got about 28 books that I own but haven’t read yet (but still want to read). Heck I probably have more but those are present and accounted for. I want to read at least half of them this year.

Read in 2008:

1. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen – Finished January 4, 2008 – VERY GOOD!! One of the best books I’ve read in awhile. Couldn’t put it down!
2. Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star by Brendan Mull – Finished January 9, 2008 – Better than the first book, definitely building an interesting series – I’m already impatient for book 3!
3. I, Freddy by Dietlof Reiche – Finished on January, 20, 2008 – A very cute read, that took me far too long to finish (I’ve been reading it on and off for a year).
4. The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket – Finished January 27, 2008 – So much better than I’d even expected and that’s saying quite a bit!
5. The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket – Finished January 31, 2008 – Soooo different from the movie, much more detailed, very enjoyable.
6. The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket – finished February 2, 2008 – Read this very quickly, loved every minute. the movie leaves so much out of these books, it was a good movie but the books are so much better.
7. The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket – finished February 4, 2008 – Finally, a plot I didn’t know at all! Just as good as the first three, and it was lovely to be surprised at every turn. Another gem.
8. The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket – finished February 5, 2008 – Starting to get very curious about a great number of the mysteries throughout this book. So well written. My husband finally finished book one – we are both big fans now!
9. The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket – Finished February 6, 2008 – Couldn’t put this one down – very suspenseful or anxiety ridden perhaps? Just as good as the others.
10. The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket – Finished February 8, 2008 – Such an interesting book, I’m even more curious now and I just realized for the first time that all the titles have a repeating pattern (BB, RR, WW, MM, AA, EE, VV and now HH)
11. The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket – Finished February 11, 2008 – Loved the whole “filing” thing, ridiculously true to life from my experience. The whole book was, again, terrific. I’m almost bored of talking about how terrific it is and what a wonderful job Snicket is doing. The whole mystery is really starting to amp itself up.
12. The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket – Finished February 12, 2008 – So good I am almost disappointed that it is time to start reading my book club book, instead of continuing on with the series, especially after such a MAJOR cliff hanger!
13. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray – Finished February 20, 2008 – It was a hard adjustment going from Lemony Snicket to this book and not because it wasn’t good, but because Snicket makes the reading easy and even in scary moments you somehow feel safe with the author always warning you of things and defining anything you may not have known. Libba Bray obviously does not feel the need to do this, and once I lost myself in the story, I was grateful for an opportunity to guess and imagine and experience this beautiful novel in the corners of my own mind. It is a very good debut to her series which I look forward to reading.
14. The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket – Finished February 24, 2008 – So many things I want to gossip about in this book, and all of the things that led up to it, but in an effort not to “spoil” I’ll refrain. Of course it was fantastic with lots of ground breaking developments and long awaited revelations. And of course, more questions, more cliff hangers, and more suspense. Now to start Grim Grotto. I’ve officially finished all the books I borrowed from SIL, so once dh finishes the next 3 on his stack, we’ll be able to return them! Woohoo!
15. The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket- Finished February 26, 2008 – I am dangerously close to finishing this series and more than a little worried that I might go into withdrawal when I do. It’s not very often that one has the pleasure of reading such a thrilling, well-written series – with such extreme attention to details, and always cautious of its audience, it is a real pleasure to read such an impressive work. “Snicket” has created something any good author should aspire to.
16. The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket – Finished March 6, 2008 – Only one book left to read, which should mean that a lot of mysteries will be solved soon, right? And that Snicket won’t constantly continue to create loose ends that make the story even more intriguing and infuriating at the same time? Of course I loved it.
17. The End by Lemony Snicket – Finished March 8, 2008 – Ok, finished the series late at night, almost morning with the words “Ah ha!” Because the last word of the book confirmed the suspicion I’d held for at least the second half of the series, but I won’t go any further. My husband guessed the same as well so maybe it’s not really that big of a revelation, but it was still exciting. Still not sure when I’ll get around to reading the unauthorized autobiography or Beatrice’s Letters, and for now it’s on to other, grown-up books but I really thoroughly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to just about anyone. – full review of series here –
18. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philipa Gregory – Finished March 18, 2008 – This book was so amazingly good – better with every chapter, every added detail to this historical masterpiece. I am officially eager to read all her other works. – full review here –
19. My Hamster by Peter Fritzsche – Finished March 26, 2008 – This book was pretty good on filling a new hamster owner in on the basics, but the author is definitely a naturalist and had me scared out of my mind by the end, worrying about every different way I could cause harm to my hamster. It was very well laid out and informative otherwise.
20. Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich – Finished March 25, 2008 – I don’t know what happened with her 12th book, but in lucky number thirteen, she manages to get back into her stride, at least as far as I’m concerned – this may have been her best Plum book to date. I love all of her current events references – the cable company charade as well as a million other things I can’t remember anymore were fantastic. It was very now, very current, very good. The Morelli / Ranger thing manages to continue without feeling stale – ah, I just can’t say enough. It was terrific. Can’t wait for fourteen!
21. Extras by Scott Westerfeld – Finished March 30, 2008 – Just when I thought this series could not get any better, Westerfeld sucked me back in to prove me wrong! I adore his writing style, constantly find myself thinking (or talking) with his made up lingo – to put it mildly, this entire series is awe-making! 😛 It did take me a few chapters to embrace the main character, and get over Tally not being present (in the beginning), but to be honest, as much as Aya annoyed me, Tally was the same way in Uglies, and let’s face it Pretties and Specials, too. Something about being 25, trying to get back into the mindframe of a 15 year old can prove challenging I think. But I love it! I love the love stories, I love the way Westerfeld forces you to look more critically at our own society and all the ways we could be different – and all the ways those different societies could go horribly wrong, too. In short, Westerfeld is a genius and I ❤ him.
22. The Virgin’s Lover by Philipa Gregory – Finished April 7, 2008 – While it was nowhere near as good as The Other Boelyn Girl, it did begin to capture my interest somewhere in the middle, much the same. The ending definitely surprised me, although I had suspected parts of it, and was left wondering a LOT and wishing I knew more of the history of this time period.
23. So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld – Finished April 8, 2008 – This was soooo good – Westerfeld is truly a genius in his field – and unlike the Uglies series, this one is easily enjoyable by guys and gals alike – stepping back from “the whole world” this book focuses on marketing, consumerism and the elusive “cool” – and of course a bit of kissing thrown in for good fun. It definitely kept me guessing, proving that some authors at least are smarter than their readers (that’s a big compliment – I get so annoyed sometimes when I am always one leap ahead – sometimes it can be fun being smarter than the characters, but sometimes it’s painfully obvious and dull).  I just attempted to read the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson and it was such a miserable flop that I gave up, so this book was warmly welcomed and devoured in less than 24 hours.
24. Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce – Finished April 16, 2008 – Another really good book – I’ve been hitting the jackpot lately. Despite a few strange things to get used to in this young adult fantasy book, I really liked this story, with illusions to Tudor England and a small bit of romance, there was little left to be desired. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
25. Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce – Finished April 27, 2008 – Just as good as the first book – it seemed to take forever to read, if only because of all the information to digest within each chapter – but I really did like it a lot! The world she creates is just amazing and the story is a GOOD one!
26. Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz – Finished April 30, 2008 – Clearly, having gobbled up this book in three short days, I liked it a lot – this is a very promising new series and I’m not very happy to have to wait for the next installment to come out before learning more about this intriguing historical mystery – who was who when and who will they all be now? It’s exhilarating – and of course the romance had me glued to the edge of my seat. Fantastic.
27. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray – Finished May 6, 2008 – This second installment was fantastic even if I did guess some major things awfully early on (and I didn’t want to be right, but I was). This book still amazes me in a lot of ways and it really is a terrific inspiring book for young women – it really shows you how privileged women are today and yet how some things are terribly the same. Which is I’m sure what she’s going for.
28. Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell – Finished May 20, 2008 – It took me awhile to finish this but not because I couldn’t get into it, but rather it’s just a very intense book that I had to read in small chunks without overwhelming myself. It was beautifully written, such an amazing story that I am still a bit surprised at its non-fiction label – I’m not sure I buy into the whole past lives thing but it’s a deeply fascinating idea to me. I was especially moved by the scenes in the Chinese Orphanages – this book made me want to go out and adopt several Chinese daughters, just to play my part. 😛
29. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde – Finished June 9, 2008 – This book was just fantastic in so many ways – the English major in me drooled and laughed my way through the entire book. It took me awhile to read it, just because the plot was a bit complicated – Fforde creates his own world within the confines of this great book, and it took me awhile to get used to the swing of things, but now I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!
30. Jane Austen in Scarsdale by Paula Marantz Cohen – finished June 19, 2008 – I’m kind of torn between 3 stars and 4 on this one. I did like it, and by the end I more than liked it, but it wasn’t one of those amazing books you just can’t put  down, so much as a book that grew better with age and really started to get REALLY good the more I read. The last 10 chapters were devoured in one afternoon. I think I’d read another of her books, but it certainly won’t take precedent. As far as light reading goes, however, it was exceptional.
31. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray – Finished July 2, 2008 – This book broke my heart – which is not to say I didn’t like it, I loved it – I loved being wrong over and over and right over and over, I loved the small details thrown in to make me say, “Ah ha. I never thought of that.” A small part of me hates, hates, hates the ending and you will know what I mean, but I’ll accept it. It was brilliantly written. – full review here –
32. Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot – Finished July 6, 2008 – Took awhile to get used to the “email” format of the book, but the story was a good one – very intriguing – I enjoyed it a lot.
33. Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz – Finished July 15, 2008 – ::sigh:: I loved this a little too much – I read it a few pages at a time for what felt like forever and then devoured the last 3rd of the book in one giant day-long gulp-fest. I really hope this wasn’t the last installment, because Lisa Lutz, I’m here to tell you I need MORE. – full review here –
34. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich – Finished July 24, 2008 – Another Evanovich masterpiece – I think this one was even better than the last, with all the usual great antics and some new antics you never even thought to expect. Brilliant.
35. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde – Finished August 18, 2008 – This was the sequel to the Eyre Affair and definitely just as good – one of those books with a little bit of everything and more than a few surprises thrown in.
36. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Finished August 28, 2008 – The first half of this book bordered on dreadfully boring, the language seemed unnecessarily stale and verbose. I thought for quite some time I’d have to force myself to finish it. But then somewhere in the middle I fell in love and now even as I type this, I think I’ve been reading classic literature long enough because it is surely affecting my writing style. I plan to read Jane Eyre next and I’m looking forward to it, but first I have plans to read some more modern literature and hopefully my writing style will go back to normal. 🙂 In the end, I did like P&P a lot – and I’m not sure if my initial dislike of the book was the author’s fault or my own. Indeed, I may have been prejudiced against the book because of it’s “classic” style – and maybe too proud to admit my own shortcomings that were preventing me from liking it? But then ended up so in love with the book that you might equate the whole transition to Lizzy’s feelings towards Mr. Darcy. At first the book seemed unnecessarily dry and proud and boring – but by the end it was surely the warmest, most involved book I’ve read in awhile. I’m quite fancying myself in love with it. I might marry it. My family will be quite shocked, I’m sure. – full review here –
37. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce – Finished September 10, 2008 – This was another one of those books where the first half took forever (months) to read and the second half was finished in days. I’m hooked now though and definitely planning to read at least the rest of the books in the Alanna series.
38. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer – Finished September 25, 2008 – This book was an amazing end for such a brilliant series. I felt like I could see some things coming from a mile away and had so much fun with my speculations but other things took me completely by surprise. I cannot for the life of me understand other people’s angst with this book. It was wonderful. – full review here –
39. The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde – Finished October 25, 2008 – Another home run for Jasper Fforde. I really really enjoyed this book, like it may be my favorite in the series so far. I loved all the literary references and the whole world he creates for literature. Mr Fforde, I am officially in awe of you. – full review here –
40. In The Hand of The Goddess by Tamora Pierce – Finished October 28, 2008 – I devoured this book. It’s a quick read but very addictive, especially now that I know the whole back story, having read the first book in the series, Alanna: The First Adventure awhile back. This book moves quickly but is packed with action. I will definitely be reading the third book soon.
41. The Woman Who Rides Like A Man by Tamora Pierce – Finished October 30, 2008 – SO good. Clearly, since I again devoured this book. I’m really looking forward to reading the last in this quartet and considering reading a LOT of her other works now. But you know, get in line.
42. Rumors by Anna Godbersen – Finished November 7, 2008 – Possibly better than the first, but it’s been awhile so that’s hard to say. I had a really hard time putting this book down once I got into the thick of it. Her newest book in the series, Envy, comes out in January of 2009 and you know I’ll be wanting to read that!
43. Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult – Finished November 26, 2008 – This book was an incredible experience – Picoult is such a gifted writer, I couldn’t help but be in awe of her and loved the intricacies of this story – each piece woven into the next. Brilliant.
44. Death: A Life by George Pendle – Finished December 4, 2008 – While I didn’t love this book, I did enjoy it – it was funny and well written and gave a very interesting perspective of life and death and all that other stuff in between.
45. Boomtown by Nowen N. Particular – Finished December 13, 2008 – This story had the potential to be amazing – so many genius anecdotes and tales – but it fell flat and made it very hard to want to continue reading. – full review here –
46. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – Finished December 20, 2008 – This book combines everything which is great about the Harry Potter series and Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, but still manages to be it’s own entity – a fresh, exciting new plot that keeps you guessing, with a new memorable set of characters that children will be able to relate to and cheer on. – full review here –
47. The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis – Finished December 27, 2008 – I’m officially smitten with C.S. Lewis and the Narnia series. The writing style was wonderful and the story incredible. I loved reading about the creation of Narnia and all that comes before the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. – full review here –
    

Gave Up On in 2008:

• Maximum Ride series by James Patterson
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Redwall by Brian Jaques
• Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

Still Reading As 2009 Approaches:

• Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews
• The No-Cry Potty Training Solution by Elizabeth Pantley