Reading 52 books in 52 weeks http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628 mytwoblessings I'll be hosting the http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com challenge again for 2012. My goal is to read 26 books alphabetically by author and 26 by title. I've had fun doing it this year and discovered some new to me authors. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:11:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918674 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918674 Piper the Perfect I couldn't do that. I'm taking it slow. Reading again. But taking it slow. Hats off to anyone who takes this challenge. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:22 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918897 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918897 Rosebug I really need to get back into the habit, but this next year I'm moving twice, going to a four year, getting my Associates, several jobs in several places, and upping my personal GPA requirements. I don't think I can commit to reading 52 books. I don't know if I'll be able to even do Nano next year (though I'll try) but I do need to read more. I will cheer you on, though. That's an impressive achievement. Read some really good books. =) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:50:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918975 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_918975 Mungolian Oh, wow. I meant to do this on my own already, but having others doing the same will be a great motivator. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:04:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_919509 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_919509 Dunmaglas Last year goodreads.com introduced a personalized reading challenge. I chose 52 as my number, and will be doing the same next year! (If you're curious, I'm currently 2 books behind thanks to Nano.) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:57:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_920396 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_920396 extra4u I'm obsessed enough with reading to have a Shelfari account, where I can track my book goals. For 2012 it's going to be 50. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:07:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921355 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921355 Mattius Watsonnius I keep aiming for 50 books each year and never quite make it, I usually get to about 40 books. I will definitely try to reach 50 next year again, though, and will probably make mine "official" on Goodreads as well. Good luck to everybody trying that, it is a tough challenge to juggle around everything else life throws at us! Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:36:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921447 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921447 Enrico1991 I would love to do this challenge but I don't have that many books. And I don't know of many libraries here that provide that. Will try to read 25 on-line from the classic texts. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:37:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921451 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921451 amino I'm reading 100 because I like having no free time (besides... what else would i do but read and write?) BUT... good luck to all of us! I'm reading mostly off of FreeBooks-- an iPod Touch app that has a ton of books pre-1923-- a wonderful resource for Dickens and Montgomery and all those other nice people. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:11:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921988 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921988 amino I should also mention that I'm a pretty fast reader and so this is not nearly as impossible a goal as it sounds. I hope. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:12:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921992 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_921992 Jessica_the_Overachiever In high school, I read an average of 100 per year. It's doable for fast readers. I've fallen off a bit since grad school and "real word" work has kicked in, but I am aiming for 75 in 2012 to get me back on track. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:01:05 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922337 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922337 amateras Oh good! I want to start reading again (used to do 50+ books a year... I think this year I have read seven so far) so this'll certainly help with that :D Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:53:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922548 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922548 alena_royer I accepted a challenge to read 100 books in a year. I've finished 7 this far(I get sidetracked by real life and fanfiction a lot). So, I guess you could say I've fallen back spectacularly. I'm just going to try and get caught up in 2012 then - amidst JanNo and other such tempting things XD Wonder if I'll be all right? =DD Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:56:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922562 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922562 monquito I definitely want to do this. I went through a huge fiction avoidance period after I completed my English degree. It was probably more due to depression than anything. But that's lifted and now I can read again! I can't wait to tackle this challenge, and will make it official on Goodreads too! Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:45:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922791 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922791 luvinpadfoot I think my goal for this year will be 150 books. I'm pretty anti social and read a lot anyways. Plus, a lot of books I read are YA so they aren't as difficult to get through as the classics (which I do read). So 150 books is only 13 books a month. Easy peasy! Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922846 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_922846 -Katlyn- I bet I could go through several books a day over the summer, but I still want to write quiet a bit... Hmm. Yeah. I'll read 52 starting January. ^^ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:14:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923182 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923182 munkylover I've done that for the last two years, and it's awesome. Especially when you have the list of all the books you've read over the year. I'll definitely be doing it again in 2012. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:39:36 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923546 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923546 Kaleidoscope27 I'd really like to try this. I need to get back into reading. Right now I'm reading a book on my Kindle and I have two actual books to read too. Also I have another book which I'm halfway through but keep abandoning 'cause it freaks me out (House of Leaves.) Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:54:33 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923607 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923607 Kaleidoscope27 Can I ask what the difference is between Shelfari and Goodread? I've got a GR account which I rarely use. I've just looked at Shelfari and it looks prettier but otherwise, is there much difference? Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:02:33 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923645 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_923645 Christina Huling Totally in for next year. I've always kind of had the goal of reading all the fiction books in my school's library before I graduate (it's a really small library, in case anyone was thinking that was impossible). Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:05:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_924197 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_924197 Mattius Watsonnius Oooh I've been meaning to read House of Leaves for some time now, a friend recommended it to me. I kind of want to read it even more now, to see what it is about it that is so freaky, hahaha. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:15:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_925073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_925073 mytwoblessings I'm a pretty fast reader myself and read way more than 52 books, but a lot of people don't. I've had fun hosting the challenge the past few years and it's a challenge in itself coming up with interesting topics each week for the weekly check in. I just joined Good Reads this year, but never find the time to update it. Welcome to all those who will be joining in. We have some mini challenges for those who rather read classics or chunksters. 12 classics in 12 months or 12 chunksters in 12 months. Plus random challenges to read books based on the cover, a word, things like that. Not everyone involved manages to read 52 books but the fun is in the reading and exploring new authors, new genres. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:12:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_926402 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_926402 Kaleidoscope27 Definitely read it! It's amazing. I can't even explain why it's freaky, it just is. It's just the way it's written for the story it's telling. Such a unique book. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:27:49 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_927023 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_927023 dutchbando I'm aiming for 75 again next year. However, I'll be starting a fantasy series reading project and assuming I finish all the books in some of the series there are at least 172 books on the list so far. So yeah, most likely this will be a multi-year project =) Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:48:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_928195 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_928195 bookbug7713 My freshman year in high school my teacher dared me to read 100 books in 9 months. All of them had to be atleast 200 pages or longer. And I did it. I have faith in everyone who wants to read 52 books in 52 weeks. You just have to find the ones that you can really let yourself get lost in. Trust me, it's not as hard as it looks. But of course, I didn't have a social life back then either. XD Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:03:12 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_929378 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_929378 Mattius Watsonnius Awesome, I will totally read that during my holidays! Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:53:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_929563 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_929563 sarahlucielle I'd be up for this. I did 70 books for this year, but I wasn't much occupied. I will probably need a more modest goal now that I'm going to be going to college. One book a week sounds not too challenging. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:05:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_929609 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_929609 akizakura I wanted to try this last year, but didn't really actively go after it. I did find some good books though, so I think I'll try again for 2012. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:58:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_930209 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_930209 SpiritofClyde My plan is to read as many as possible - I'll have so much free time after June when I finish my degree whilst I job hunt and submit to magazines. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:01:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_930221 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_930221 Appelsina Hmm, sounds interesting. I think I'll be able to complete it if I actually devote myself to it. c: Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:15:50 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934133 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934133 heli-girl Good luck. In high school I would check out a book at lunch from the library and by the next day I would be reading another. I am far from that these days. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:48:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934586 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934586 quixotic_hope I think I'm going to try this. I used to read all the time. I haven't read as much since I graduated college, though. I've had plenty of time, but I don't make good use of it. I think I've read like 8 books since I graduated last May. Really, if I could even read 26 books this year, I'd be happy. But I'm still going to aim for 52! Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:57:36 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934971 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_934971 SummerDaniels Setting a goal of 80 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:07:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_935268 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_935268 thisdaydreamer I'm setting 50 books as my goal, just like this year. I'm reading #49 now, so I think I can make it this year. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:58:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_938521 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_938521 Kelly The Red Only 52? No problem. I just went through my NOOK and finished more than 50 of those alone this year. Adding in library books and paper books, I'm guessing I read over 100 books in the past year. The hard part will be traking what I read, as I usually have several books going at once, one in the bedroom, one in the living room, one in the truck for when I have time while on the road. Of course the NOOK is always in my purse, plus I have Ether Reads on my ipod. I like the idea of reading alphabetically. The nook, as I am pretty sure most e-readers do, can sort books by title or author, and I move them to my 'finished shelf' after I read them so they don't come up again. My daughter usually reads the same books I do, so we discuss them while we're reading. Makes for better comprehension and retention and it's a lot more fun. If you can, find someone to read at least a few of the same books, if not the same list that you do. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:14:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_939313 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_939313 extra4u I've never used Goodreads, and I don't know anyone who uses it, so I can't really help you there. I will say that I personally really like Shelfari; between groups, reviews, book facts and reading goals I tend to keep myself pretty entertained. You could try looking up a review or contrast of the two sites. I'm sure one exists on the internet somewhere. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:06:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_945479 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_945479 extra4u I'd definitely recommend it too - that book made it's way from my hands right to my mental list of favorites. It's haunting, fascinating, impossible to explain and totally worth it. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:10:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_945492 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_945492 Kaleidoscope27 I got a Shelfari account and I like the layout better than Good Reads. :) Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:45:51 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_947058 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_947058 -Katlyn- It's my first week in the challenge, the week before finals, and I am on my 3rd book. Haha. :) I've missed reading... I'm reading the beginning books of the Dragonriders of Pern series- Dragonflight on the 4th and 5th, Dragonquest on the 6th and 7th, and The White Dragon today. ^^; Of course, I'm breaking from writing right now. Until finals are over, writing is on the back burnner. Wonder if I can keep up normal school, writing daily, and reading a book every other, or at least every three days. ;) Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:50:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_952827 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_952827 UnicornEmma Ha, I used to do those, too. I found out once that kids I barely knew used to take bets on if I'd have a different book each day of the week--apparently the kids who hadn't been paying attention would call it impossible and then lose money or candy or whatever they bet. That was an eyeopener for me. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:20:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_954719 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_954719 UnicornEmma I never thought of counting the books like that! I just started really reading again in the past few months, since I got my job (...I work night shift...). I go through about two a week, generally speaking, depending on how many shifts I have that week and how much I like the book. I'd love to do this challenge! Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:23:33 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_954720 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_954720 Olivia44 Wow, what a goal! *gawks in awe* I hope there'll be some good picks in the challenge ... if not, just make your own list. Happy (and successful ;)) reading! :D Although I love to read I'm a bit slower ... however, I aim for 35 books (next to master exams, a move, looking for a job, a man *coughs* er, overread the latter *blushes*). Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:01:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_956863 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_956863 -Katlyn- Finished The White Dragon, and I'm onto the Two Towers! I started that in late October, and I just found it, laying on my shelf, half read. :P Onwards!... 4 books in 1 week. *sheepish smile* WIthout writing, I don't seem to have a life. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:09:26 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_956893 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_956893 Alpina'sQuill Read three books a week on average, so I guess this challenge is not for me. xD Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:28:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959178 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959178 Cynthus I am also a fast reader (avid too). So I read that many books in three months more or less. ;-) I need to read less and write more. I read about 3-4 hours a day in the evening. My problem is I don't like to write down a review - unless I get paid for it. lol Cyn Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:44:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959239 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959239 KSwife This sounds like fun! I'm not sure about doing a book a week but 52 or more a year is very doable. I know that sounds contradictory, but some weeks just get nuts and others I can knock out two or three easily. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:46:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959243 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959243 mytwoblessings Not contradictory at all. The goal is 52, how you get there is all up to you. :) Will be posting mr linky for signups soon. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:33:45 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959351 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959351 mytwoblessings Check out House of Leaves on Amazon. I'm tempted. Wish it was available for nook, I'd download it a minute. Adding it to my wishlist, perhaps hubby will buy it for me for christmas. :) Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:52:53 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_959409 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_959409 mytwoblessings You can still join in. I read over 150 a year and I'm hosting the challenge so.... Dive right in. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:55:00 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959418 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959418 mytwoblessings Yep, that's my problem - writing reviews. I've been really bad this year and only reviewing requested review books and trying to review my a-z by titles. Ending up doing mini reviews for a-z because just don't have as much time as I used to. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:56:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959421 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_959421 KSwife Looking forward to it. I love some of the other challenges you have with it. Especially the SciFi/Fantasy, Jane Austen, and Well Educated Mind ones. I've already started a reading list. :) Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:48:53 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_962957 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_962957 DanieXJ I've looked at Shelfari and they're okay. Just not my style. I do use Goodreads though, and like it a lot. The two of them are quite alike (though I believe that Shelfari is owned by Amazon) It's really just a matter of what you like for the layout, what sort of widgets and stuff you like on there. There's a bookswap in the goodreads sight. Goodreads also has the First Read giveaway section where there are tons and tons of books (good and bad) that get given away every week through publishers and other people. Some ARCs, some final editions, all trying for reviews (though I don't think that you get kicked out of the First Read program if you don't do a review.) Of course, my win percentage on First Reads i like, 3 percent or so. I've tried to win about 90, and won 3.... :) Now, personally although I do like Goodreads, and it was my first book keeper track of site, the site I really love is LibraryThing. There's such a bustling bunch of people on the site who are talking in the threads, and making all the book entries better and good stuff like that. Not to mention the staff is always trying to improve the site (not that it's different for the other two sites) And yes, if you have more than 200 books that you've read/owned it does cost about 25 bucks for a lifetime membership, but I just love it. And try to get everyone I can to join it... :) But, as I said above, honestly, it's really a matter of what you like for the look, and what features are most important to you, etc. etc. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:33:20 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_963649 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_963649 DanieXJ Honestly it's doable for middle speed readers too. It's only 2 books a week. And not even that (two books a week would be 104). I did it this year and just finished my 100 books today, 3 weeks to spare (I'll probably hit 104 before the end of the year, but, 100 is a prettier number :D) I'm not the fastest reader around, and I even had about two weeks back in May or so where I couldn't make myself read even the slightest. So... 100 sounds like a lot, but... have no fear... it's not. Now, 200.... *splat* &lt;-- my brain thinking about 200 books in 365 days. And, just think, next year's a leap year for those who want to try 100 books.... heh... :) Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:37:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_963662 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_963662 DanieXJ Well, you don't have to track them... while... you're reading them. Just, when you finish one, jot it down on a piece of paper, or update a goodreads, shelfari, librarything account, or put it in a spreadsheet of some sort, or even just make a hash mark on a piece of paper on the calendar. Lots of ways to do it. Personally I'm weird about it. I like knowing how much money I'm saving by using the library instead of buying them, and I like to know when I've finished them, where I got them from, what I rated them, even how many pages/words (approximately) are in them. But... remember, I'm crazy and love lists :) Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:43:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_963680 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_963680 DanieXJ I try to write my review right after I finish the book (or movie). My problem is getting them from the notebook page and into LibraryThing/Goodreads (though, when I win one, that gets put on the computer right away) Oy... typing, the bane of my existence. So, I'm definitely in for this challenge, though it will probably be 100 books again for me, or maybe I'll go crazy on GR and go for 104 books.... :) Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:44:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_963683 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_963683 mytwoblessings The introductory 2012 post and the sign up post are up now on the blog. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2011/12/im-participating-in-2012.html Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:35:20 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_968413 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_968413 mytwoblessings How terrible remiss of me. Forgot to post week one. Week two starts as of tomorrow and here's the link if you want to play along: http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/01/bw2-sarah-addison-allen.html Week one I read Garden Spell by Sarah Addison Allen and The Rose Labryinth by Tatania Hardie Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:54:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1040079 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1040079 Amyweasley I used to do this without deciding to do it, I'd get through quite often 2 books a week. But I think once I started secondary school I kind of lost it and now I'm lucky if I read a book in two months. It's ridiculous because when I do read it I love it. I love the smell of a new book and flicking through the pages and that satisfying feeling when you close it when you're finished! My new year's resolution is to read 12 books this year, as in one book per month..I've already read one book. I'm hoping that because I want to achieve it I'll read more than 12. This is such a cool challenge though, maybe next year. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:13:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1041062 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1041062 Christina Huling I don't think I'll be able to do this in a "one book per week" way, because I've already read my first two books of the year. <em>Claire de Lune</em> by Christine Johnson and <em>Virals</em> by Kathy Reichs. And I plan on counting the book I'm reading for English once I finish it, which is going to be a few weeks because our reading pace is really slow. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:06:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1041254 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1041254 DanieXJ Don't have a blog, but I'm doin' it on Goodreads, and so far I believe I have six read. Now I'm working on 'Stone of Tears' by Terry Goodkind. This one might take me awhile... :) But, I even it out with some solid graphic novels, so, I think I'll eventually get to my goal of 150. Oh, and Christina, did you like Virals? There is also a sequel called 'Sacrifice' which is interesting. Got me all interested in Anne Bonny (plus, I had just read 'Warehouse 13: Touch of Fever', so, I was on a Bonny roll.... :D Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:45:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1042600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1042600 Christina Huling Actually, the sequel is Seizure... and I stayed up until midnight last night reading it :P Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:15:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1044077 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1044077 Erica in the novel Couldn't figure out how to sign up but I'm in for the challenge. Been collecting books for years when I had access to cheap books and no time to read. Now I have time to read and a wonderful library to chose from. What fun!. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:10:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1044599 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1044599 maggiep I read 74 books last year, so doing 52 books wouldnt be a problem. Have already read 2 books this year. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:04:52 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1046036 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1046036 rachelthorn I'm up for the challenge! I'm going to keep my goal at 52 because I don't know how many books I would be able to read in a year. First time doing something like this. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:55:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1055053 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1055053 Christina Huling I think I should have set a higher goal. I'm up to six books already. I'm trying to get ahead so I can read Inheritance... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:48:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1057383 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1057383 Erica in the novel Flying always gets my count up. What else can one do up there? Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:18:55 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063420 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063420 mytwoblessings http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/ Week 3 in quest to read 52 books. This week starting a readalong of Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund. Jump in if you want to join in. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:58:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063948 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063948 mytwoblessings I just bought that one as well. :) Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:59:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063950 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063950 Earthsick I feel so lame right now. Since I only read 18 books last year, I'd say ... I'll go for 20 this year. xD lol I think I need a magnifying glass for most of my books because meh, publishers seem to think that it's awwwright to save paper by formatting everything in a horribly small font. How can you guys stand this? (I mostly find this in english books, mostly classics.) Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:28:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063991 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1063991 Christina Huling Well, I think it's going to have to wait a while anyway, because my brother's got it on his nook, and it's not LendMe compatible, and he won't lend me his nook at all for now because he's reading stuff on it. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:19:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1065483 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1065483 maggiep What is Inheritance? Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:55:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066077 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066077 mytwoblessings If the print's too small, I don't read it. My 50 ish eyes can't handle it even with glasses. So search out books that have normal size readable font or read it on ereader and blow up the font to comfortable size. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:45:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066678 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066678 mytwoblessings Christopher Paolini's 4th book in sci fi/fantasy series. He was a teenager when Eragon was published. Good series. http://www.alagaesia.com/books.php Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:47:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066685 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066685 Earthsick Can't do that when I order books online. I don't know how many English bookstores there are in Vienna but ordering stuff via Amazon is mostly easier when I'm searching for a specific book. /: Also, I have no ereader and still so many books I already bought. xD But there are at least some books that are free on Amazon and therefore I'll read them on that free kindle software (which is really awesome at blowing up the font :DD) I'll consider getting one of those ebook reading things in the future, even though I love printed books ... every single one I read feels like a little trophy on my shelf. :) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:30:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066936 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1066936 maggiep Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:43:12 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1067925 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1067925 mytwoblessings Know what you mean, my shelves are overflowing with little trophies. ;0 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:29:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1068877 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1068877 monquito Almost done with my second book. I have to pick up the pace slightly! :) Enjoying the challenge so far though. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:14:53 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1070591 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1070591 Tedds Currently about halfway through my fifth book, the classic sci-fi novel War of the Worlds. Should try read a book that's not 200 pages next. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:32:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1073283 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1073283 LozzT-In-Time Oou I wwant to do this. I've already read (counts) 5 and a half books this year, so I really want to do this. Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:33:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1078988 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1078988 mytwoblessings So far I've read The Rose Labryinth - Titanie Hardie Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen (e-book) By the Light of the Moon - Dean Koontz (e-book) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt The Silent Oligarch - Chris Morgan Jones Ahab's Wife - Sena Jeter Naslund Book Week 4 starts tomorrow - http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/01/bw4-mystery-of-nevada-barr.html Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:09:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1080075 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1080075 amino ... I have a problem. I've read 21 books this year. *headdesk* While that may seem like a good number, my brain's now CONVINCED I can read 366 books in 2012. I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! XD I have to write! I have MilWordy going on this year! Ahem. We'll see how I survive, eh? Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:03:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081066 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081066 mytwoblessings You just need to pick longer books! :) Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:52:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081715 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081715 mytwoblessings Jump right in. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:53:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081719 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081719 mytwoblessings Sounds good. I haven't read it yet, but have seen the movie - both old and new. Now that you've mentioned it I want to read the book. Adding to my wishlist. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:54:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081726 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081726 mytwoblessings Long or short books, it will all average out in the end. Keep plugging away. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:55:28 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081731 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1081731 Magpie Ilya My goal is always to read at least 11 books each season, so 44 in a year, but I'm already 5 books ahead - 16 since the winter solstice, only about a month ago - so 52 shouldn't be a problem. But I would also like to read more than last year, which is slightly more ambitious. Over the last three years (since I started keeping track of my reading), I've been reading less and less. 89 in 2009, 71 in 2010, 63 in 2011. I absolutely refuse to read even less than that this year! Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:10:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1083066 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1083066 mytwoblessings You are off to a good start. You can do it! Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:36:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1089995 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1089995 mytwoblessings I started reading "The Passage" by Justin Cronin. Interesting so far. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:36:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1089996 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1089996 Kelly The Red Three down, 49 to go. Alphabetical didn't work for me since some on my list are part of a series and I need to read those in the order the author intended. So instead, I am reading alphabetically by author. Half done with Briggs. Butcher is next. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:45:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1093888 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1093888 Kelly The Red Brothers can be such pains in the butt. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:47:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1093892 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1093892 Kay Proctor I've been doing this since the start of the year, and documenting my progress/doing reviews on my blog. I've also decided to add books from some indie authors to the list and leave reviews when I'm done, so if anyone has a book finished that they'd like me to read, let me know. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:19:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1094837 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1094837 Magpie Ilya 19 since the winter solstice. Since Kay Proctor mentioned it: I'm also making an effort to post reviews on my blog, although they're often just a few lines. Or even just a few words. <a href="http://ivynettle.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/winter-reading/" rel="nofollow">Here's</a> the first post about what I read this winter. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:54:45 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1095014 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1095014 mytwoblessings Know what you mean about the alphabetical part. I'm reading new authors alphabetically, but other books randomly. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:02:00 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099975 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099975 mytwoblessings Great idea about indie authors. I'm met a few doing ROW80 and read some of their books. Quite good. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:02:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099978 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099978 mytwoblessings I also do mini reviews when don't have a lot of time to write major reviews. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:03:06 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099979 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099979 mytwoblessings Book Week 5: 52 Books Blog: And now for something completely different - literary cookbooks! We've all come across passages in stories about the characters preparing meals or having dinner and could practically smell it, it sounded so good. From the classics like Jane Austen's Emma to modern day cozy mysteries like Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse mysteries to Harry Potter's Treacle Tart which I'm sure we are just dying to try. (or not!) check out the round up of a few literary cookbooks. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/01/bw5-literary-cookbooks.html I'm currently reading Gail Carriger's second book in her Parasol Protectorate series "Changeless" on my nook. Just about to start Alafair Burke's Close Case as my C book for A to Z by title challenge. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:06:13 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099985 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1099985 mytwoblessings Book Week 6: 52 Books blog: D is for Dickens. Feb 7th is the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birthday. Read something by Dickens this month http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/02/bw6-d-is-for-dickens.html Going to tackle Moby Dick starting next sunday. Read a interesting, informative book "Why Read Moby Dick?" by Nathanial Philbrick which has a lot of background info into the author and the story. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:35:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1117909 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1117909 maggiep Am reading book # 7 now-Redwall Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:52:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1118835 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1118835 jswwrites I've never done this as a challenge, but I read at least 52 books in a year. Usually I read 1-2 a week, plus I'm always listening to a different audiobook in my car. My problem is running out of books I want to read... Unfortunately I guess I'm pretty picky. But I never mind rereading one, so at least I don't run out! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:10:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1124170 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1124170 Zookeeper My goal this year is to read 100 books. So far I think I've read seven. And I will never run out of books. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:38:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1125833 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1125833 Kelly The Red Allen - Garden Spells Aspirin - Sweet Myth-tery of Life Brashares - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Briggs - Hunting Ground Butcher, Jim - Turn Coat Butcher, S - Running Scared Evanovich- One For The Money            - Finger Lickin' Fifteen  Harrison - Dead Witch Walking         - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Cast - Marked Yes, I know. Not quite in alphabetical order by author. But I am borrowing from my daughter's book club at work so I get them when they cycle through. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:56:28 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1134554 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1134554 Kelly The Red Ask friends, local independent bookseller, or librarian for suggestions. Join a book exchange at work, church, coffee shop or gym. Read the book section of your paper. Check out the best seller lists. Expand your book comfort zone by trying a new genre. There is no law that says you have to finish a book you don't like but you will probably be surprised by liking something you did not think you would. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:14:22 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1134734 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1134734 mytwoblessings It's book wee 7 and on 52 Books Blog highlighting Moby Dick. Join us in reading the epic whale of a tale. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/02/bw7-moby-dick.html Surprisingly I've never read it. January reads The Rose Labryinth - Titanie Hardie Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen (e-book) By the Light of the Moon - Dean Koontz (e-book) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt The Silent Oligarch - Chris Morgan Jones (Review) Ahab's Wife - Sena Jeter Naslund Changeless #2 Parosol Protectorate - Gail Carriger (ebook) Canyons on Night #3 Looking Glass Trilogy - Jayne Castle Spirit Bound - Christine Feehan (ebook) Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:16:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1136504 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1136504 Magpie Ilya I'm at 27 books since the winter solstice. Nice - now I'm trying to beat my personal record, which is 33 books in one season. Should be doable, with over a month of winter left, even if I'm working again now. And I've finished two of the books that have been in my TBR pile for ages, started and put aside months ago (Winnetou I and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and I never want to read about fish again.) Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:35:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1136624 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1136624 Zookeeper Speaking of fish books, although I loved everything Verne, the book that thoroughly bored me in high school was Moby Dick. I get the metaphor about the Great White Whale, but I just couldn't stay interested in the book. Part of it might have been because I was forced to read Moby Dick in school because it was a classic, and I read Jules Verne on my own when I was supposed to be doing something else. Science fiction and fantasy weren't considered to be proper literature back then. I read Lord of the Rings while I was pretending to read my textbook. Luckily, paperbacks are fairly easy to keep hidden. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:51:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1137025 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1137025 dutchbando I'm at 10 books on the year so far with two more in progress and a goal of 75 for the year. I feel like I should have read more than that so far, but most of the books on the list have been 500+ pages, so one can't accuse me of being a slacker reader. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:37:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1137483 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1137483 Magpie Ilya Moby Dick was one of the few books I not only did't finish, I might even have thrown it away. I got it for free in school, but I have no idea why. And I have no idea what happened to it (which is why I guess I threw it away.) Which I usually never do. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:07:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1138449 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1138449 DanieXJ Ack, I keep getting Goodreads to say 'you're two books ahead' and then the next day, poof, I'm just 'on track' or whatever the patronizing sounding message is... :) I'm on book 20 'bout halfway through out of 150. If I do week 7 of the year times about 3 books a week to get to 150 I'm a couple short. 7*2.88 I'm just about where I should be... hmm... perhaps I should spend more time reading and less time figuring out how much I've read, need to read... :D 500 pgs! Definitely not a slacker! Cool. I'm reading a combination of big stuff (the second of the Sword of Tears Terry Goodkind books, yikes) and interspersing them with comic book trade paperback which are sometimes shorter (Though not the BtVS Omnibuses I'm reading at the moment) and some in the middle stuff. Some of my favorite authors have stuff coming out. Very excited. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:32:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1139905 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1139905 J.Kievsky I forced myself through it a couple of years ago and was glad I did. If you skip over all of the chapters which are info dumps about whaling (~ 1/2 the book) not only does the narrative become more coherent, it becomes more interesting too. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:36:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1140489 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1140489 Zookeeper I've only read 8 books so far, but a lot of mine are heavy tomes, too, 300-500 pages. Maybe I should put some short books on the pile. :-) Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:17:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1141195 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1141195 Kelly The Red I am reading Spirit Bound right now. Can't put it down. Have you read the Drake sisters books? Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:20:51 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1141218 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1141218 Hopeful lily When I took one of these challenges in 2009, and faithfully updated my book list total, I ended up reading more than twice the number of novels than in the years before or since. Going to the trouble of making the list and posting it seems to increase the total. Interesting. No clue why. So far this year: 1. The Favored Queen, by Carolly Erickson, about Jane Seymour, not very good or historically accurate 2. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender, fascinating fantasy about growing up strange 3. The Ballad of Tom Dooley, by Sharyn McCrumb, the real story, as told by the sociopath who caused it all 4. Chelsea Mansions, by Barry Maitland, clever Brit police procedural involving a real-life unsolved mystery 5. Brewing Up a Storm, by Emma Latham, murder mystery of Wall Street shenanigans decades ago, told with dry wit 6. Kiss the Girls, by James Patterson, icky serial killer thriller with continuing hero Alex Cross, lots of violence 7. Death Comes to Pemberley, by P.D. James, the swan song of a brilliant writer, a mild Jane Austen take, but credible if tepid behavior by all. She fooled me again; the answer was such an "Of course, why didn't I see it?" 8. Stuff, by Randy O. Frost, nonfiction, describes compulsive hoarding in great and insightful detail Please list the books you've read. People's choices are always different and interesting. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:42:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1143959 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1143959 Magpie Ilya Lily, I posted the first part of my list, with mini-reviews, on my blog, <a href="http://ivynettle.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/winter-reading/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. I'm planning to post the second part in a couple of days - as soon as I have the time. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:20:54 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144225 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144225 DanieXJ What I've read so far: I think it comes out to 20 books.... :) Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus, Vol. 2 / Allie, Scott Superman vs. Hollywood: How Fiendish Producers, Devious Directors, and Warring Writers Grounded an American Icon / Rossen, Jake Body Language / White, Kenna Mysteries of History: The American Revolution /Report, U.S. News &amp; World * Superman: Camelot Falls, Vol. 1 / Busiek, Kurt Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus, Vol. 1 / Whedon, Joss 52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen / Giffen, Keith Superman: Back in Action / Busiek, Kurt Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, #2) / Goodkind, Terry Fables, Vol. 3: Storybook Love / Willingham, Bill Women Remembered; A Collection Of Biographies From The Furies / Myron, Nancy Degunking Windows 7 / Ballew, Joli Richard Castle's Deadly Storm: A Derrick Storm Mystery / Castle, Richard Superman: Up, Up, and Away! / Busiek, Kurt The Sweet Trade / Garrett, Elizabeth Wonder Woman / Perry, S.D. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Last Gleaming (Season 8, Vol. 8) / Whedon, Joss Batwoman: Elegy / Rucka, Greg Fables, Vol. 2: Animal Farm / Willingham, Bill 52, Vol. 4 / Johns, Geoff Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144364 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144364 Zookeeper I'm up to 10 books so far. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:22:33 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144821 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1144821 DanieXJ Awesome. Any ones that stick out at you? That you loved? I have to say the 'Superman vs. Hollywood' book by Rossen was pretty cool. It's non-fiction, and give all the behind the scenes drama from the time of the Superman radio serials, until the seventh season of Smallville. And, boy oh boy was there tons of drama, and of course the 'Superman curse' too... great stuff! Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:43:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145022 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145022 maggiep I just finished book 8 a few hours ago. I list all of the books I read in a notebook, it's fun to look it over at the end of the year, see how many I read, which ones I liked(this also helps me remember which authors I like best). Here it is- Pirate of my Heart-Jamie Carie--I enjoyed it, gave it 4 stars(No, its not a steamy romance, just a fun story which happens to have a love story mixed in) A Distant Melody-Sarah Sundin--4 stars(WW2 told through a pilot and a nurse) 1 Kings-Bible--4 stars A Lasting Impression-Tamera Alexander--4 stars(Reconstruction period, right after the Civil War) A Memory Between Us-Sarah Sundin--4 stars(2nd in the trilogy. It was good like the first one. It does have some touchy emotional spots that hit nerves) The Locket-Jessica Blair--2 stars(first book of the year to not get 4 stars. The reason was-it dragged. The plot itself was intriguing, and kept me wanting to know who did it and why. However, it eventually got to the point that it felt like the story was still going for the sake of having a longer book. This is one of my pet peeves about books) The Ever-After Bird-Ann Rinaldi--4 stars(I have read her stories for years and just found this one. It was very interesting. I had never heard of the Ever-After bird before. The story covered no details, yet kept it decent.) Redwall-Brian Jacques--4 stars(I enjoyed this story very much. I thought Brian Jacques did well in describing the animals as main characters.) Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:25:35 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145425 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145425 Kelly The Red Just wondering... Who actually wrote the Richard Castle books? Are they any good? Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:10:23 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145550 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1145550 Hopeful lily The identity of the Castle ghost writer isn't publicly known yet, but you can google it and learn who the prime suspects are. 9. A Nation of Moochers, by Charles Sykes, was totally ranting against all government aid programs and indeed against any liberal social efforts. It made a blithe and to my knowledge not credible claim that none of them are needed, but it was interesting to take a step back and ask, "Well, just why should we expect our government to give us a $40 coupon to buy a TV converter?" Surely the broadcasters could have been pushed to offer the coupon, for otherwise we would not be watching any of their ads, right? Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:14:55 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1155276 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1155276 Zookeeper Dinosaur books. Or any science books, really. Lately, I've been reading on paleontology, climate change, GMO foods, and a health book by Deepak Chopra. I'm also reading some fiction, the latest Noble Dead book by Barb and JC Hendee, and I'm trying to get caught up on the Dresden Files books. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:58:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1155586 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1155586 Magpie Ilya I got fed up with how long my second review blog post is taking to write - guess they won't be exactly <em>mini</em>-reviews this time, so here's the list so far (since the winter solstice), without reviews. Winter 1. Wolf Haas, Silentium 2. Brandon Sanderson, Alcatraz und die dunkle Bibliothek (Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians] 3. Khaled Hosseini, Tausend strahlende Sonnen (A Thousand Splendid Suns) 4. 4. Brandon Sanderson, Alcatraz und das Pergament des Todes (Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener’s Bones) 5. Robin Hobb, Der Weitseher (Assassin’s Apprentice) 6. Robin Hobb, Royal Assassin 7. Jenny-Mai Nuyen, Nocturna 8. Walter Moers, Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher (The City of Dreaming Books) 9. Walter Moers, Das Labyrinth der Träumenden Bücher (The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books) 10. Andreas Gruschke, Tibetische Mythen und Legenden [Tibetan Myths and Legends] 11. T.H. White, The Sword in the Stone 12. Robin Hobb, Assassin’s Quest 13. Don Rosa, Onkel Dagobert – Sein Leben, seine Milliarden (The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck) 14. Leonie Swann, Glennkill (Three Bags Full) 15. Robin Hobb, Die Zauberschiffe 1+2 (Ship of Magic) 16. Leonie Swann, Garou 17. Diana L. Paxon/Marion Zimmer Bradley, Das Schwert von Avalon (Sword of Avalon) 18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Geschichten aus dem kleinen Königreich (Tales from the Perilous Realm) 19. Melanie Rawn, Mondläufer (The Star Scroll) 20. Robin Hobb, Mad Ship 21. Robin Hobb, Ship of Destiny 22. Enid Blyton, The River of Adventure 23. Robin Hobb, Fool’s Errand 24. Enid Blyton, The Sea of Adventure 25. Karl May, Winnetou I 26. Brandon Sanderson, Elantris 27. Jules Verne, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea 28. Matt Ruff, Fool on the Hill 29. Carol Lynch Williams, Auserkoren (The Chosen One) Four to go if I want to beat my previous record, and a month left until the spring equinox. Shouldn't be so hard, and I'm already halfway through the next one. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:34:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156716 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156716 DanieXJ In the back of the book under the 'Richard Castle Author Bio' it says that he won the 'Tom Straw something or other award'. And I think that's the prevailing guess is that the author Tom Straw wrote them, but no one really knows. As for if they're good. They're not bad.... I know, faint praise. Ah, I mostly read them because I love, love, love the TV show. But, I do have to say that Heat Wave was the worst, and the next two, Naked Heat and Heat Rises have gotten better. Hopefully the next one will be better too (and according to the show that's all that 'Rick' is contracted to do so far....) Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:07:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156810 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156810 DanieXJ Dresden Files, I liked them (again, first I saw the TV show that was made from the books, and then read a couple of the books, I'm a bad librarian, not supposed to go TV to books :)), but haven't read one of 'em in quite a while. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:09:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156817 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156817 DanieXJ May I ask why you do it from equinox to equinox (or solstice to equinox or whatever). Never heard of that before. Sounds kinda cool.... :) Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:10:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156822 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156822 DanieXJ Oh, and, two more books: Unbroken Circle by Mary Griggs (Read 'cause I'll read anything published by Bella Books, it's a bad habit... :)) The Magic Line by Elizabeth Gunn (Read 'cause, well, once I start a series, in this case the Sarah Burke series, I generally feel as though I have to read it until the author either gives up on the series or stops it or the author passes on) Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:16:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156838 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1156838 Kelly The Red Thanks. Love the show. It is one of the reasons I finally broke down and bought a television. I saw one episode while in the hospital ER with a friend. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:10:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1157392 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1157392 Kelly The Red So what have you been reading? At 8, you are still on target but keep in mind that you will probably be writing, not reading come November so you need to get a little ahead. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:15:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1157415 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1157415 Magpie Ilya Sure you may! :-) It's actually based on the calendar of my main story-world, which is divided in seasons, not months (OK, they have months too, but those are mostly used for making horoscopes, though I haven't worked out the details of that yet.) I've been measuring time in seasons, and celebrating the equinoxes and solstices a little like they do, since I was 15 or 16. A more practical reason is that if I set myself yearly goals, I'd just try to meet them early, then slack off for the rest of the year. Monthly goals, I wouldn't be able to meet during NaNo and crazy season at work. Three months work. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:16:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158259 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158259 Zookeeper I didn't even know that the Dresden Files existed until I saw the short-lived series on TV. Bad writer! Bad! Then I went looking for the books. Jim Butcher was Guest of Honor at MileHiCon here a couple years ago, so I got several of the books autographed. I'm reading <em>Small Favor</em> right now. Three more books to get caught up. I'm also reading some books on writing and editing, trying to figure out how to make a living doing it on my own, since no one wants to hire me. :-p Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:25:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158519 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158519 Zookeeper At some point, when I get fluent enough, I want to read some books and watch some movies in Spanish. At the rate I'm going, though, that point will be far in the future. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:27:54 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158521 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158521 dutchbando Oh Charlie Sykes. Kudos to you for actually finishing anything he's written, I know I couldn't. He's well known here in Wisconsin as our local radio nutjob who enjoys ranting and the sound of his own voice. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:23:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158797 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158797 dutchbando 1 Everyday Grace – Marianne Williams 2 Belgariad Volume 2 – David Eddings 3 Manifesting God – Thomas Keating 4 Lost Gate – Orson Scott Card 5 Sub Culture – Carolyn Bucior 6 Elantris – Brandon Sanderson 7 Green Rider – Kristen Britain 8 First Rider’s Call – Kristen Britain 9 High King’s Tomb – Kristen Britain 10 Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson 11 Blackveil – Kristen Britain 12 Return to Love – Marianne Williams 13 Sand Queen – Helen Benedict Sand Queen was fascinating and a quick read but not a happy book. I just finished it last night. It offered a fascinating look into the wartime lives of our female veterans and the underlying causes of PTSD. The Green Rider series by Britain started off really well, but now she's added far too many characters, subplots and political intrigue while enjoying putting the FMC in every perilous position possible and resolving nothing. Enough already. The series needs to end. The Steve Jobs biography was interesting, a little long, but he would have been a fascinating guy to spend a day with. I really liked Elantris (a stand alone fantasy novel! *gasp*) and I'm looking forward to reading more by Brandon Sanderson. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:34:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158808 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158808 Zookeeper i'm right now reading <em>The Hero of Ages</em>, the last of Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. But now I see he has another Mistborn novel out, <em>The Alloy of Law</em>, that takes place 300 years after the trilogy. It's not a prequel; would it be a postquel? I read books weirdly. I have a whole pile of books that I'm reading semi-simultaneously. I'll read a chapter or so of one, then go on to the next. This method tends to fight against my penchant for leaving a book somewhere, wandering off, and then forgetting that I was reading it. This makes me finish books. I have a short attention span, and I have to find ways to work with it. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:20:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158849 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1158849 Magpie Ilya I have one Spanish book somewhere. Never got past the first few pages, but one day, I'll learn Spanish again, and I'll read it. I'm struggling through a Dutch book right now (well, have been for months). I know a little bit of Dutch, not enough to actually have a conversation in, but it's similar enough to German that I can read most of it. I was hoping I'd pick up more vocabulary and grammar while I read, the way I learned English, but either I simply didn't know enough to start with, or the language is too similar (so I concentrate more on the story than on the language), or I'm simply too old now to pick up languages that easily. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:51:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1159211 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1159211 Kelly The Red I read most of the Dresden books before I even knew there was a TV show. I only recently bought a TV. Have you tried any of Shannon Butcher's books? She's wonderful. I love her Sentinel Wars series. The only drawback is that the stories continue through the books so you HAVE to read them in order. Check them out. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:42:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163175 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163175 Kelly The Red I'm trying to read Dante's Devine Comedy in Italian, but I don't speak a word of that language. I have read some of the spanish classics like Don Quixote and some of Tolstoy's shorter works in Russian. It is so interesting to read something in its original language. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:54:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163232 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163232 Kelly The Red That's how I tend to read as well, except when I get into something so interesting I can't put it down. That doesn't happen very often. I have a dozen or so books on my nightstand, a stack in the bathroom, books in progress on the couch, coffee table, in my car, purse, computer bag, and a stack on my desk. I would say I usually have at least six going. And if I start a book and discover it to be a waste of time, I simply set it aside or pass it along to someone who likes that kind of book. Oh, and I carry my nook with me everywhere. My daughter shares the account so I frequently find she has added books that I never thought I would enjoy but I end up loving. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:59:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163261 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1163261 maggiep # 9- Between Shades of Gray Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:08:05 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1164844 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1164844 DanieXJ Got a few more read. Now I'm five ahead. Still, most of 'em were comics this time, but based on what's waiting for me at the library on the holdshelf, I'll definitely have more novels in my future... :) Desert Wind (A Lena Jones Mystery, #7) / Webb, Betty Superman: Camelot Falls, Vol. 2 / Busiek, Kurt Superman: Last Son / Johns, Geoff Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol. 3 / Powell, Eric Batman Beyond: Industrial Revolution / Beechen, Adam Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:21:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1167705 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1167705 maggiep # 10- Snow Angel- Jamie Carie Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:13:45 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1168299 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1168299 Magpie Ilya # 30: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, and if anyone cares what I thought of them, reviews of #15 - 30 are up on <a href="http://ivynettle.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/a-bookworm-again/" rel="nofollow">my blog</a>. Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:33:28 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1168910 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1168910 allwritemel Although I@ve not officially signed up to do this challenge, I do read incessantly so I've kept a track of my books and so far I'm about to start my 8th book but, like the above post, most of mine have been BIG (the longest was 1,800 and something pages! I impressed myself that I read that as quickly as I did). As a result I'm grabbing a few shorter books - just read one "short" - for me - and I thought it was going to be deliciosuly scary if I can put it that way. It wasn't scary at all, but it was fascinating and kept my interest from page one to the very end. Looking at my books on my list I think I will have to have a fairly thick one next which I can get my teeth into because I'm going into hospital on Thursday for surgery which was cancelled in error last Thursday. The secretary meant to book me in but she accidentally DISCHARGED me! I was furious - that hospital is the only one that does this treatment and is not exactly on my doorstep! Plus my boyfriend had been forced to take the day off because nobody else could take me and risk missing a deadline for his script - this could cost him thousands, not to mention the crucial meeting he needed to be at instead of at the hospital with me. :-( The doctor was so dismissive about the situation that I wanted to slap him silly - especially when he told me a) it was fine to sleep only 2 hours a night for 4 years because of the pain because it "gives you more time to study!" I can't concentrate on anything or take anything in because I'm so tired and I'm making very silly (and sometimes dangerous) mistakes. Then he said, "We'll do it a week before your next exam ..." Er ... that would be "5th March" then! :-) I feel awful saying that but the pain is so bad I can't bear anyone to touch it so the surgery (where I have to be awake) will be interesting. Because he is "squeezing me in" I may have to wait 7 hours like I did last time because I'm not officially on the list and I'll need something to keep me occupied during that long wait. Anyway, sorry, the point of that is I won't be able to hold a thick book for nearly a week after that and I do read pretty quickly. I can read most of the thinner books in a day so - if I ever want to read a lot of books in a short space of time I read the James Patterson ones because they are such fast reads -, even though at 7 I am slightly behind, I'll soon catch up. Not only that but I'll have to include some thinner books anyway - I have some periods this year where I simply won't have very much time to write - March will be hectic (the surgery which will stop me for a week or so), mine and my brother-in-law's birthday; several interviews with celebs (I'm on radio - thebiggestnews.com ... maybe I should read some of the autobiographies of the actors/singers! That would count! Then it's my mum's birthday, a show and a trip to London (God willing 2 trips) and then my exams ... after June I'll be able to read a lot more (unless text books count? I'm devouring them at the moment because my exam is at the end of May) I hope! However I am also being challenged to write 2 MILLION words (put books then!) this year for the Alzheimers Society so I really will need to compartmentalize my life if I want to read as well!!!!!! That effectively means writing 6,000 words a day if I'm to get ahead and be prepared for next September when this will be done again, and have a buffer for those days I really don't want to write. Hope some of this post makes sense. To clarify, I need to read a thick book which I can finish by Thursday because I won't be able to read a big tome for at least a week and I can read a "thin" book (up to 600 pages) in a day or two so that will get me a little ahead. Perhaps we should come up with a list of "recommended reading" ... I know that's tough because everyone likes different types of books but perhaps if everyone put up a list of their top 10 favourite books it would give everyone a good choice. Sorry I know I'll be shot down in flames for that - my stupid computer has decided to stop working properly (now! When i need it so badly fo the next few hours) and won't let me highlight or delete (it's probably coming out in protest at its constant use) :-) Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:04:48 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1169039 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1169039 allwritemel Kiss the girls is one of the few James Patterson books I don't like - I agree, it's a bit icky! :-) I like most of them though (sorry). Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:06:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1169041 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=4#forum_thread_comment_1169041 Erica in the novel I have been reading a variety of stuff. I think about ten books now. I especially enjoyed The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon; Dreamcatcher by Stephen King; and A prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Now I need to read the books I found recently on writing! Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:50:24 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169479 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169479 allwritemel So far this year I've read (with brief reviews) Elisabeth Sladen autobiography. Excellent book in that you can hear the author's voice rather than someone ghost writing. She even swears a lot, which is something that would have been cut out if it had been ghost written. The book provided a fascinating insight into the actress, the history of theatre(!) and even what went into the making of Dr Who. I have a new found respect for John Pertwee - he comes across as a bit of a man's man but not as rude or ignorant as he was when I met him at Beuleiu (SP?). I'm now desperately trying to find old clips of the shows with both Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker but with her as the assistant. VERDICT: 10/10 Keep the book but Definitely one to recommend to others. Already Gone by John Rector Certainly a very fast read but, so far I'm disappointed (just started it yesterday). I'm not glued to it, even though it seems to be a good story. I think the problem is that the writer has chosen first person and there's always a part of me that says, "No, I'm not doing or thinking that! Probably just me being fussy! :-) I will reserve judgement!. Finished on 10th January … VERDICT: Very fast read but the whole thing was in present tense AND first person which is something I can't stand so, although I enjoyed the story it wasn't he best I've ever read. It did hold my interest but it had a really weird ending - I certainly didn't see some of the twists coming. 7/10 (and that's generous - loses points for the style) Don't Blink by James Patterson So far typical James Patterson - very, very fast read and keeps your interest. What is different is that it's a little - make that a LOT - more gruesome. I'll probably finish at some point today or tomorrow! :-) Great writing, short, snappy sentences and a plot line you can't guess the end to (something I particularly enjoy). Just when you think he's snookered himself (and maybe he does sometimes) he breaks the scene and either leaves it a chapter or two, or else he will continue it on the next chapter. VERDICT: Very clever writing. Sadly not one I will be keeping :-( 10/10 The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly Very interesting read - I can't figure out what the end will be because of all the twists and turns - I love that. It's quite addictive too and I'm struggling to put it down. Not as fast a read as James Patterson but then it's a very different style of book. A little heavy on the legal side of things but no less enjoyable for that. VERDICT: 10/10 - I really couldn't put it down and it lost nothing for the parts I didn't understand. Great twists and turns and I certainly didn't see the end coming. However, not one that I will be keeping. 8/10 The Decision by Penny Vincenzi Lovely long book, just my type of thing and a surprise Christmas present from Christine. I hope this is as good as Old Sins, her first book, but have always been disappointed when comparing books of hers to that. I think she hit her pinnacle with Old Sins, which I intend to reread this year but her books are always enjoyable. This is the best I've read for a long time and I simply can't put it down. VERDICT: 9/10 - a brilliant story but I'm unsure if she has really done her research - some of the things her characters do seem a little "off" for the time period it is set in. Sadly not one I will be keeping. I need to get rid of a load of books so mum will read it and we'll pass it to Platform 51. It's a hardback so it's too big to keep, unfortunately. Much More of this Old Boy by Peter Paterson Well I have to confess I am reading different books in the bath than I am normally and this one is fascinating. It's the account of a newspaper boy who was put in an orphanage, what his life was like - fascinating social history as much as anything else. I'm glued to this book so I'm having more baths than showers so I can continue reading. I am definitely keeping this book. Times Legacy by Barbara Erskine Well time for a bit of a scary book I think - I need a change of pace. It was this or Sophia's Secret so I plumped for this. I want to read all of Barbara Erskine books pretty much together … need to get a few more. This one, like 99% of her books will probably scare the pants off me. VERDICT: 9/10 - would have been more if it was scarier. Excellent, fascinating but NOT scary up until the end. She has an interesting premise of what would happen if a Vicar was faced with evidence that Jesus had come to England, and she also explores with fascinating insight how other religions live closely together - druids and pagans in this case, live comfortably with Christianity. Just like Diana Gabaldon I would say it's a thought provoking, fascinating book. This is the first book this year I have found that I will definitely keep! :-) Worth Dying For by Lee Childs Great to have a change of pace and this one has me hooked! It seems to be a very quick read and holds the interest from the start. In a way it's quite funny because the reader experiences a mix of emotions - anger at what has happened in the town in the past; sympathy for the character who lost her daughter; fascination and wonder at the hold that these bully boys (the Duncan family) appear to have over the townspeople (a feeling mirrored - perhaps deliberately because he's an outsider so he's seeing things as we are by Jack Reacher); frustration that the guy cannot leave well enough alone and simply move on to Virginia quietly - it's none of his business after all. But the reader can't help being impressed by his tenacity as he is determined to get to the bottom of the matter, find the missing "child" (she'll be an adult now if he can) or at least find out what happened to her, and set things right before moving on, hopefully leaving behind him a much happier town. The way he knows a sideways route into everything makes for fascinating reading - I wonder if Lee Child's snookered himself when writing that book because there is a scene he theoretically cannot get out of and yet he manages it by the skin of his teeth in an extremely inventive way (something I've experienced myself in my writing). VERDICT: 10/10 - definitely be keeping it. Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:19:23 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169597 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169597 maggiep 30? Already?! Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:12:52 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169951 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1169951 Magpie Ilya Yeah, well, I was unemployed for more than half of that time, so it's not like I had much else to do. And like I said in an earlier post, my count started on the winter solstice (December 21), which gave me an extra ten days (in which I read the first seven books). Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:49:06 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1170093 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1170093 maggiep Still, very impressive Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:59:04 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1170434 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1170434 DanieXJ It also has to do with stuff like how fast you read, what sorts of stuff you're reading. I have 28 at the moment, but some of them are shorter Graphic Novels (though some of 'em are wicked long graphic novels like the 4th Volume of Fables, and three Buffy Omnibuses which are much longer than I thought they'd be). Or romance stuff vs. big ole Sci Fi or 'classic literature' tomes. Oh so many variables in counting books... :) Plus, for me, it helps that other than a bit of OUaT fanfiction writing my muse has been snoozing, so, more time to read if the whole writing thing is totally blocked... bummer, but definitely pads the reading stats for me... :) Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:49:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1171817 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1171817 SummerDaniels On number 11 right now. One of my earlier was around 1,000 pages. Rothfuss' Wise Man Fears and I loved every word of it. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:36:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1174982 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1174982 Red-Eye I want to read it, too D: [reading in German -&gt; only a part of this book and it's from the library and they don't have the next part :/] "The Wise Man's Fear" is my 6. book this year because I didn't have much time and the books I read have so many pages (&lt;3). Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:13:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1177037 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1177037 Magpie Ilya I saw that they've split it - so glad I read it in English! This splitting-of-translated-books makes book-buying so confusing! With the Liveship Traders, I bought a German book that said, "part 1 + 2", so afterwards, I ordered the third part in English, only to find there was still one volume missing! Although I sort of understand the reason, too, German books just are longer than the English versions - guess we simply have longer words or something. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:31:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1177176 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1177176 Hopeful lily If I don't count nonfiction, I'll never get there. 10. Strapped, Why America's 20- and 30-Somethings Can't Get Ahead, by Tamara Draut, tells miserable tales of person after person who tried to get a sufficient education, worked hard, made efforts to succeed in a business or profession, but could not get beyond a rut of too little income, benefits, and job security, and too much debt. They aren't able to attain even the minimum of middle class comfort they'd hoped for. The only couple doing a little better had significant financial support from family. The author ends the book with many public-spirited recommendations about how we can change all our laws. This was written in 2004 at the latest, published in 2005. The economic world has altered substantially since then, and hardly for the better. Probably half of her example couples have been out of work for several years now. Since I am not in her target age group, by the end of the book I began to feel very wealthy. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:44:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184686 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184686 Erica in the novel Wait a minute...We can't count nonfiction! Uh-oh... Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:30:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184810 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184810 Zookeeper Who says we can't count nonfiction? Most of what I read is nonfiction. I'm up to 11 books so far. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:55:10 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184865 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1184865 maggiep # 11- Mossflower-Brian Jacques (second in series. a fun read) Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:48:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185376 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185376 dutchbando Salamandastron and Mattimeo were my all-time favorites in that series =) Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:07:03 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185388 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185388 maggiep Without giving away too much, what made them your all time favorites? Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:06:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185457 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1185457 DanieXJ Um.... I think Lily said that if we 'don't' count non-fic than we 'won't' get there..... I know that I probably wouldn't... Personally I'm reading War Room right now. All about my favorite coach Bill Belichick and how he, Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitrioff are kicking butt with the Pats/KC Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons... very good book by a very good writer, Michael Holley. I definitely recommend it, although I've only gotten to approximately 2002 in the book so far... So, I'm working on that one at the moment, but... I did have four others since the last time I posted... Whacked / Gordon, Josie - Hilarious. Soccer, and a Western Michigan small town with a splintering Episcopal church and some other wicked awesome and very unique characters. Iced / Alguire, Judith - Eh... not so great. Reluctant Hope / Dutton, Erin - Fine Fables, Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers / Willingham, Bill - whoa these are getting long So, I'm up to 31, and finally reading more actual books than graphic novel trade paperbacks (though, the fourth Fables should count as like frickin' Moby Dick or something, yikes it was long.... :)) Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:59:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186509 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186509 dutchbando Wow. Good question. I haven't read either one of them in years, but of all the Redwall books I owned at one time, those are the two still on my shelf. I eventually found the series a tad too formulaic for my liking and stopped reading. But anyway, I digress. Salamandastron - The main characters are badgers and it takes place far from Redwall although they do get all thrown together eventually. Strong female characters and a nasty group of villains. Mattimeo - This one could be seen as the sequel to 'Redwall.' A coming-of-age story if ever there was one in the series. It takes place mostly outside of Redwall proper and all the characters have interesting story arcs. Seeing as I now realize I don't remember a lot of the finer plot points of either book I should probably go reread them again. However, rest assured that both of them were on my go-to list for excellent books during my teenage years. I can't remember how many times I read them. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 09:24:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186534 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186534 maggiep They do sound good. Im looking forward to reading them. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:33:52 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186622 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186622 Zookeeper I didn't know there was an Elizabeth Sladen autobiography. I'll have to put that on my list.She was always my favorite companion, and I was really bummed when she died. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:14:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186681 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1186681 allwritemel Mine too ... pity it's going in the bin (unless you want me to send it to you?) It's a great book and it really opened my eyes to certain aspects of Dr Who (I confess I've never yet seen any of the latest episodes for a couple of reasons - I would LOVE to see one, especially as David Tenant got a great review as the Doctor. Latest book just finished! Just about tomove on to ... probably the Redbreast by Jo Nesbo. Not sure yet ... I can't really read scary or thriller books before I go to bed so I need two types of books ... means my bookshelf is overflowing to my cupboards ... filing cabinets ... worktops ... bedside cabinets and more inventive places (even other people's houses!) No wonder I've got mum on my back telling me to get rid of some. I may go for a quicker read wit h Glen Cooper's The Chamber or The Devil May Come (but that's been pretty gruesoe so far which was why I stopped reading it. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:22:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1187422 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1187422 Zookeeper I'd love to have it, but you're across the Pond, so I'm afraid shipping might be prohibitive. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:40:10 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1187743 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1187743 allwritemel I send more than this over the pond every week so it won't be a problem if you want it. PM me if you do and we'll work soemthing out .... I may ahave another 2 ways to get it to your anyway which may make it cheaper... Sun, 04 Mar 2012 03:49:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1188774 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1188774 mytwoblessings Hey gang. We're on week 10 and highlight Gabriel Garcia Marquez on the 52 books blog http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/03/bw10-gabriel-garcia-marquez.html I'm still plugging away with Moby Dick. About 2/3rds done. I read two new to me authors this past week: Lisa Scottoline's Dead Ringer which is one in a series of books about Bennie Rosato a lady lawyer. Pretty good, story with a humorous heroine. Plus The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens. First book in new fantasy series about 3 orphaned children. Not sure when the next book coming out, but very well done. For the month of February I completed 13 books of which all were new to me authors except for one by J.D. Robb. The Passage - Justin Cronin Close Case - Alafair Burke Why Read Moby Dick - Nathaniel Philbrick. Trouble in Mudbug (#1 Ghost in law series) - Jana Deleon (ebook) Prime Suspect #1 - Lynda La Plante (TLC Tour) Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance # 1) - Larissa Ione (ebook) Fade to Black - Leslie Parrish (ebook) Goblin King - Shona Husk (ebook) Hard to Hold (hold trilogy #1) - Stephanie Tyler (ebook) Celebrity in Death - J.D. Robb Prime Suspect #2: A Face in the Crowd - Lynda La Plante Prime Suspect #3: Silent Witness - Lynda La Plante Dead Ringer - Lisa Scottoline On the stack to read next is The Eyre Affair by Jasper FForde. Also reading Revision and Self Editing by James Scott Bell. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:54:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195668 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195668 Zookeeper I'm up to #12, <em>Gorgon</em> by Peter D. Ward. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:55:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195787 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195787 allwritemel My next three are Poppy Day (Amanda Prowse), The Circus of Ghosts and Private London (should read that next, technically, because someone loaned it to me). Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:04:14 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195886 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1195886 dutchbando 14 Promises to Keep – Jane Green 15 The Gift of Change – Marianne Williamson 16 The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson The only notable one on this list is the last one. I just finished the 1000 page behemoth this morning. Its the first book of his Stormlight Archive series and a lot of it was spent world-building. Complex characters and a late-breaking plot twist that seemed very similar to something from Doctor Who but it appears he's going somewhere completely different with it. Kudos to him. It'll be interesting to see what he does with all of it. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the rest of the books to come out! Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:34:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1196230 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1196230 extra4u I also read the Redwall books for a long time, and Salamandastron and Mattimeo were among my favorites, as were Martin the Warrior, Mossflower and the Legend of Luke. In my opinion, the best books by Jacques were the ones where he used the same characters as before - it was nice to see him build on and refine their life stories. My favorites of the series were mostly books that used the original, classic characters. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:45:26 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1197926 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1197926 extra4u Right, I posted on here way back in December and then never again. I have started my 52 in 52 challenge, although I'm desperately behind. Still, my books so far (with one-sentence reviews...): 1. Moving Pictures - Terry Pratchett (Three uncertain, wavery stars - I'm not a big fan of Pratchett's writing style, so it was a bit slow.) 2. Merchant of Venice - William Shakespeare (Bad prejudices, good female lawyers, hatable antagonist, and a prime bromance.) 3. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green (A solid double-thumbs-up - unquestionably worthwhile and witty, with well-placed allusion to boot.) 4. Jacob Have I Loved - Katherine Paterson (A resolute shrug for this book - angsty '40's teenagers, life lessons, and some seriously great writing.) 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling (I forgot how unlovable Harry is in this installment. Sometimes I want to hurt him.) 6. The Last Starship from Earth - John Boyd (Good for a quick read, then forgotten. A dime sci fi novel, but it's really only worth a nickel.) 7. Zombies vs. Unicorns - Holly Black &amp; Justine Larabalestier (Three stars - an entertaining short story anthology, totally worth the silliness.) Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:47:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1197934 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1197934 DanieXJ extra4u, your mentioning Merchant of Venice reminded me... So, does it count if I'm both reading and taking notes for a story on 12th night? :) Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:10:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1198370 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1198370 maggiep 12- Moonlight in the Morning- Jude Deveraux (I enjoyed it) 13- The Lost Wife- Alyson Richman (A bittersweet tale) Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:46:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1198778 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1198778 Kelly The Red Yes, but only if you read the whole thing. Love 12th Night, one of my favorites to perform. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:02:06 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1199604 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1199604 DanieXJ Mmm... not quite done, but oh yes I've read it... again... and it's one of my favorite of his to see or read. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:56:50 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1200073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1200073 Erica in the novel Two thirds through Moby Dick! I am so impressed. I have tried I don't know how many times and never got half that far. Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:10:47 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1202262 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=5#forum_thread_comment_1202262 Magpie Ilya 33 books in under 3 months - so I have beaten my previous record of 32 from summer 2009. And I've knocked another one off the list of books that have been on the TBR pile for months. The last one was "Winnetou 2" by Karl May, and I've started on part 3 now, which I don't even remember why I thought it was a good idea to rescue them from my mother's cellar. OK, yeah, I'm beginning to see the appeal again, they're good adventure stories, and there are some lovely funny sentences - but the MC is a prime example of a Gary Stu. I'm willing to forgive all the casual racism - the books are about 120 years old, after all - but not the Gary-Stu-ishness. Although it doesn't <em>bother</em> me so much as amuse me no end. It's a slightly embarrassing book to read in public, because I'm constantly making silly faces and laughing. Actually, it's a kind of embarrassing book to read in public even without that, but Karl May's 100th death day is coming up, and you can't escape hearing or reading about him, so people will probably assume that's why I'm reading it. Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:40:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1203487 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1203487 Zookeeper Just finished Book #14, a book on writing. Not as much help as I thought it would be, since all it covers is writing magazine articles for zines like <em>Elle, Self, Men's Health, Vogue,</em> and <em>Good Housekeeping.</em> Not really what I'm interested in, and not what I want my focus to be. But at least it's read. Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:34:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1204789 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1204789 allwritemel Finished reading Poppy Day (lost track now - book nine?) and was very sad to put it down because I felt I knew the characters Mart and Poppy and they were friends ... stupid I know, but that's how well she wrote it! :-) but I got no less than 9 books for my birthday (with still at the very least 6 to come - my friendi s being wonderfully generous and has got me more which are held up in the post. Oh and an ereader! :-) I can't decide hwich to read next but Circus of Ghosts and Private London are both short (for me!) so perhaps I should read them next. I know I'd said a listo f 3 earlier which I could choose as my next but now, with so much to read, I can't decide! :-) Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:03:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1204803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1204803 allwritemel Just found 2 of hte most amazing books by an author I met by accident - Leap Year and 9/11. They are books I cannot recommend highly enough! Make sure you take a look at Michael Rowland's books - what a talented writer! :-) Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:42:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1209461 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1209461 dutchbando 17 - A Woman Worth Ten Coppers - Morgan Howell The first in a trilogy. This came highly recommended and is on my list of 'must-read fantasy series.' Unfortunately the story didn't engage me and the dialogue seemed really forced. I won't be reading the other two books. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:59:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1210925 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1210925 Hopeful lily #11. Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. The most compelling part of the book was a long essay detailing the reactions of concentration camp prisoners (he was one) to the horrible situation they were in. The least compelling part was the author's description of "logotherapy," which I had never heard of, which is his theory of psychological therapy. To simplify it utterly, his idea is to get people who are suffering to see their situation from a different perspective. I like this idea. In my own life, I have found it freeing to look through the telescope from the other end. Also, I for the first time understand all the talk of existentialism that went over my head as a child. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:12:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1210979 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1210979 Zookeeper When my mother and my stepfather got married, he brought in a set of "Great Books." He never read them. He preferred pot boilers and mysteries. So I started reading. So by the age of 10 I was reading Plato, Nietzsche, Kant, Shakespeare, and Marcus Aurelius. I only understood about half of what I was reading, but hey, I was 10. At least I understood half of it. I just got finished with Jim Butcher's <em>Small Favor</em>. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:09:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1211825 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1211825 internet_jumbie Oooh! 200 books in a year actually sounds like a pretty good challenge. I'm going for 100 this year, but I'm already fairly well ahead, so I might go for 150 next year and see what happens. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:10:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1212073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1212073 maggiep # 14- Pearl- Lauraine Snelling Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:57:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1212595 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1212595 mytwoblessings BW 11 - highlighted G.K. Chesterton on the 52 Books Blog http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/03/bw-11-gk-chestertons-piece-of-chalk.html I finished that whale of a tale, Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It was long and yes ended up skimming some parts. It was educational, poetical, dramatic, and for the most part interesting. Now know more than I even wanted too about whales. I honestly couldn't have read this book in high school and done it justice. I would have been bored to tears and given up on it. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:57:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1213012 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1213012 maggiep Congrats on finishing it. Feel like reading War and Peace for me? :) Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:06:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1213035 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1213035 maggiep # 15- Nan Sherwood at Pine Camp- Annie Roe Carr (A favorite past-time of mine is searching antique stores for old books, to collect and read. I found this one on vacation. It was published in 1916. For the age and wherever it has traveled, the book itself is in great shape, and the story was fun) Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:24:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1216220 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1216220 dutchbando 18 Stardust - Neil Gaiman Can someone explain to me why Gaiman's books are so popular? This is the second one I've read - Graveyard Book was the other, and I don't get him. The premise was neat but the stories just seem half-baked and his writing style seems awkward. I've heard American Gods is fabulous, but these two books make me very hesitant to try reading it. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:14:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1216716 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1216716 Zookeeper I admit I didn't read the book, but the movie <em>Stardust</em> was great. I'm up to 17 books. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 01:47:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217278 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217278 dutchbando I also heard great things about the movie which is why I picked up the book. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:57:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217593 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217593 Erica in the novel Actually, I have been wondering the same thing. I started with American gods and I was just blown away! Seriously! So of course I went out and got more whenever I found them at used bookshops. The only one I remember by name is ... Oops,..I did remember ... Coraline? It is incredibly short and it took me three tries to get through it. The rest of the ones I have... Don't remember what I felt about them, except that I have stopped looking for more of his stuff. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:30:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217955 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1217955 maggiep # 16- Courting Trouble- Deeanne Gist Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:33:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226227 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226227 Magpie Ilya First day of spring, and I was determined to finish another book before the season changed - my new three-months record is now 35 books. That's going to be hard to beat! 33 and 34 were "Winnetou II" and "Winnetou III" by Karl May, which are so marvellously silly I could not help laughing and making faces even when I was reading on the train. And 35 was "Lena" by Käthe Recheis, a YA book about WW 2. I don't know how often I've read that book, and it <em>still</em> makes me cry. Makes me laugh, too, but cry more often. It's a book that feels very close and personal, too, because it's set just a few kilometres from where I live and work. It has just occurred to me to check Google maps, and yes, the castle-like thing I can see from my workplace is Hartheim Castle, where people with disabilities were killed, where one character was killed, where my brother would have been killed if we'd been born just fifty years earlier. A lot of my customers are old people, with quite a few eighty and older... I think, for the next couple of days, I won't be able to look at them without thinking, "What did you see? What did you live through? Who did you lose? Did you see the smoke rising from Hartheim and know what they were doing?" I did OK while I was reading, but now, thinking about it, I'm feeling a little sick. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:14:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226758 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226758 mytwoblessings Ha. Already read War and Peace and surprisingly enjoyed it. Historical soap opera. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:33:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226780 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226780 mytwoblessings Happy Spring! We are on book week 12 and I highlighted author Jody Hedlund on 52 Books Blog http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/03/bw12-jody-hedlund.html Currently reading Frank Peretti's Illusion and will be hosting him on 52 books on April 4th. squeee! Was asked to be part of the ASK FRANK book blog tour so be sure to check it out. http://askfrankblogtour.weebly.com/ Have declared April to be Read A Russian Author month. I'll be diving into The Brothers Karamazov since already read War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:37:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226786 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1226786 Zookeeper I remember back in 1969 (yes, I go back that far) when we first landed on the moon. My grandmother was old enough to remember the Wright Brothers and the first airplane. I asked her what that was like, learning about the first airplane flight. She said, "Well, we just thought they were kind of crazy." That makes me laugh. Often we're not really aware that we're living through momentous times. Not until long after, anyway. How many young people are really aware of what it was like to live in a world without computers or cell phones? I wrote my first novel on a typewriter, with carbon paper. I just started a new book, <em>Deep Future</em>, forecasting what the next 100,000 years will be like now that climate change has become irreversible. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:30:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227042 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227042 DanieXJ Mmm... just my opinion, climate change may (or may not) be irreversible for us crazy, crazy humans (and most other animals), but... I'm pretty sure that the Earth is made of hardier stuff. And it'll stick around until the Sun goes in a few billion years... On my books, I'm up to 35, a couple more trade paperback comics, and some actual books. And yikes, I have nine in my to be read pile, and most of 'em are not short books (I'm binging on New England Sports non-fiction books). Invincible Iron Man Volume 8: Unfixable / Fraction, Matt Superman: The Third Kryptonian / Busiek, Kurt War Room: Bill Belichick and the Patriot Legacy / Holley, Michael DC: World War III / Champagne, Keith Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:53:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227235 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227235 Zookeeper From what I understand from all the books I've read about it, we've gotten to the point where global warming is irreversible. It's possible, if we get our collective human asses together,we can moderate it so it doesn't go into the worst case scenario. But knowing the human race, I think that's about as likely as getting monkeys to stop slinging poo. (Which when you think about it is kind of what <em>we're</em> doing.) The Earth has survived both hothouse and snowball conditions, and I even think the human species would survive whatever we can sling at the planet. There's so many of us that even if 99% of us were gone, there'd still be plenty to carry on the species. But the global civilization that we all know and love will probably be gone. I dumped some more books on my TBR pile. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:45:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227355 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227355 maggiep Really? Hmm, now I'm a llittle more intrigued. I tried reading it before and got to about page 40 or so before I just could not go any more. I will have to give it another try. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:38:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227675 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227675 maggiep Mmm, I understand that feeling. I have read a few books that made me feel the same way. Years ago my mom and I read Anne Frank and Me(a time travel WW2 story). It had such an impact on me(I think it was one of the first Real war stories I'd read, where things were not sugar-coated), that for months after I would jump whenever the fire whistle went off and I had nightmares and panic attacks. That book made the war so real to me it felt like I had lived it. Now I can read war stories without such effects, but I still wonder as you do. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:44:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227691 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227691 maggiep April is Russian Author month, huh? Maybe that's a good time to try War and Peace again. I also have Anna Karenina that I have not read yet. Will try that if W&amp;P is another no-go. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:46:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227698 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227698 maggiep I also typed my first story on a typewriter, and that was in 1998. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:48:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227702 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227702 maggiep It makes sense to add more to the TBR pile. They replace the books you have read :) Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:50:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227708 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1227708 Magpie Ilya I'm going to celebrate the beginning of Spring by ordering more books. You see, one of my reading goals each season is read six new (to me) books, so I actually need to have that many new books. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:52:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228061 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228061 Enrico1991 In all these months I reached my Personal Milestone of ten. So I thought that I post my progress: 1. Winesberg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson 2. Animal Farm by Gorge Orwell 3. The Odyssey by Homer (Okay I didn't earlier) 4. Fermat's Last Principle by Simon Singh (Non- Fiction!) 5. Dubliners by James Joyce(Yes Short Story collection but It took a lot of effort) 6. The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga 7. Around the world in Eighty Days by Jules Verne 8. In an Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh 9. A visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan(That was another short one) 10. Three men In a boat by Jerome K. Jerome. Currently I am Reading Water for Elephant by Sara Gruen (That was a nanowrimo novel so) Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:48:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228565 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228565 Erica in the novel Our book orders just came in (March is book sale month here). Three of them have joined my TBR shelf by my bed, including (I am so happy) Michael Moore's Stupid White Men. The others include Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje and A Dead Hand by Paul Theroux. Not realizing that the books would arrive so soon, I also bought a book at second hand (rare that I find any in English, let alone something I might want to read): Michael Collins' Lost Souls. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:11:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228646 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=6#forum_thread_comment_1228646 Zookeeper <em>Water for Elephants</em> is on my shelf, waiting to be read. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:19:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1229330 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1229330 dutchbando 19 Heft - Liz Moore This one came recommended in a New Yorker book review. I liked both of the characters - especially Arthur, Kel wasn't quite so believable - but the ending was a disappointment. The book ends abruptly with far too many loose ends for my taste. I don't necessarily need to have every plot line resolved, but at least one would be nice. I guess you could call this a character study or literary fiction, but I don't read very much of either to be sure on the classification. One other bone to pick - Its told in first person, and one of the characters uses '&amp;' instead of 'and' - every time! - which is distracting and got on my nerves. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:36:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1229484 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1229484 Hopeful lily #12 Pinched: How the Great Recession has narrowed our futures and what we can do about it, by Don Peck. He's saying the middle-middle class, comprising people with only midlevel skills, is now just as screwed as the working class has been with manufacturing going offshore. Anyone with merely a B.A. (or B.S., I presume), is out of luck. Those lower on the educational scale had better get used to low-paying service jobs or get trained to do low-level healthcare tech/assistant jobs. The most depressing nugget: Statistics show that people caught in historic depressions and recessions in the last 120 years have been affected for life, with lower earnings and less confidence. Also, the author describes the creation of a male underclass (because they dominated manufacturing, and it's gone) of the unemployed, underemployed, and unemployable. Surprisingly, he does not believe this will lead to revolution or even to a huge escalation in criminality. Merely violence and meanness and xenophobia, and the usual stupidity, in fact, that has been the typical result in prior recessions and depressions. I guess I should be encouraged. As for prescriptions for a better future, although he cites the usual goodhearted ideas, since he also says the rich elite control finance, politics, and laws, I don't see how any changes will occur. The rich have it good right now, so why should they change a thing? I wonder if the revolution is closer than this author thinks? This book would be more depressing if most Americans didn't cherish the notion that we will be the exception to the rule, whether it's a new paradigm or an old one. We all think we'll win the equivalent of the lottery in life. And maybe some of us will. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:37:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1234269 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1234269 allwritemel Just finisehd book 9 (The Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend) - wonderful book which, on the face of it, I should hate but I loved it. I had everything I hate in a book (first person, present tense) but the author pulled it off somehow and I couldn't see for the tears as the story ended. I take my hat off to the author becaues it's a long time since a book made me cry! Start book 10 tomorrow! :-) Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:01:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1236243 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1236243 maggiep The title is quite intriguing. Tears of happiness or sadness? Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:05:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1236323 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1236323 allwritemel A bit of both actually ... without giving anything away I was so proud of Budo for what he did but so sad as well I can't say too much because I don't want to give the story away butit was incredibly moving. A book for anyone who's everh ad an imaginary friend! :-) Sun, 25 Mar 2012 02:12:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237031 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237031 mytwoblessings Book week 13 - highlighting Mulholland books, publishes all things mystery on 52 Books blog http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/03/bw-13-imprints-and-impressions.html Big excitement - 52 Books is one of 9 bloggers who was asked to host Frank Peretti for the ASK FRANK book blog tour for his latest book Illusion. His guest appearance will be on April 4th. His latest isn't super duper scary - it's more suspenseful for those who don't like heart stopping supernatural thrillers. I'll be reviewing Illusion on My Two Blessings and I'll be doing a giveaway available to readers of both blogs. http://askfrankblogtour.weebly.com/ Started Marcia Clark's Guilt by Association and my treadmill book is Switched by Amanda Hocking. Listening to J.D. Robb's Conspiracy in Death audiobook in the car. Finally figured out how to listen to audio book through my iphone with the car radio. Still working my way through James Scott Bell's Revision and Self Editing. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:38:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237530 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237530 maggiep In that case, it'd definitly be a book for me :) Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:05:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237953 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1237953 allwritemel It's written by Matthew Green - do you want the ISBN - or I can send it to you? It's going in the bin which is a shame! Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:50:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238125 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238125 Zookeeper Who hasn't had an imaginary friend? I still have imaginary friends, but I call them characters now. ;-) Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:56:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238441 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238441 maggiep Lol, that is what I say now Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:01:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238616 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238616 maggiep I will check the library, thanks for the offer though. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:05:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238626 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1238626 maggiep # 17- Deep in the heart of trouble- Deeanne Gist #18- Cast two shadows- Ann Rinaldi Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:04:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1240914 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1240914 dutchbando 20 - Already Home - Susan Mallery 21 - Darker After Midnight - Lara Adrian Neither is much to write home about. As romances go (and I'm picky) I've liked Adrian's series. It came to a satisfying, if somewhat rushed, conclusion. I read it all in one sitting and enjoyed it. However, I don't really like that she's now set it up for a whole new story arc and series featuring a new set of characters in the same world. Please, you've written ten books and wrapped up the over-arcing storyline, just be done with it. Walk away and start something new. Right now I don't intend to read the rest of wherever she decides to go. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:24:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1244429 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1244429 Hopeful lily #13 Strange Interlude, a play by Eugene O'Neill. Pretend I checked this out from the public library or bought it at a bookstore, so it was in book form, and qualifies, kind of, for this thread. But actually I read it online from Gutenberg Australia. This play took between four and five hours to read and I am fast reader. When originally staged, it started in the afternoon, everybody broke for dinner, and then it continued all evening. I could see several places where this story could end. It felt like a marathon to follow the entire arc of these people's lives, and frankly, I am not convinced they were interesting enough by today's standards. O'Neill evidently was America's first serious playwright, and it surely must have been a novelty to see a woman talk openly about having random sex to deal with grief, getting an abortion, having a secret affair to get pregnant and pass off that child as her husband's, and more. I thought at times I was reading yet another version of the male idea of what a woman is, not the reality. At other times, her emotions and behavior seemed credible, if awfully selfish, possessive, and intermittently whiny. I also was very cynical when she took her mother-in-law's word about the family curse; good thing someone else in the story actually checked out the truth. Imagine getting an abortion based merely on a wild story someone told you about the baby's putative heredity. And of course today we don't believe in "hereditary insanity" anymore, even while acknowledging that some mental disorders do have a genetic element. So, quite the experience. I read this because in substantially edited form (shorter!) this play is being given in DC and I am trying to decide whether to go see it. According to various sources online, the Freudian elements of the play have dated it badly, and it is seldom given, although there is a fairly recent television movie version. I don't think the Freudian elements date it as much as do the bygone cultural standards describing women's personalities, their moral cores, and their relationships with men. We're all still familiar with Freud even though his theories have been superseded by better ones. Reading about women who are lusted after by all the men around them (often incestuously) and who are by turns helpless and manipulative, is not something this feminist much enjoys. At least, thank goodness, O'Neill did not complete his contemplated eleven-play series. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:06:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1245643 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1245643 Hopeful lily #14 The Secret Lives of Hoarders, by Matt Paxton and Phaedra Hise. (Obviously, she's the one who wrote the book, but his voice comes through clearly via her words.) I am so glad I bought this book. I have tried by every means possible to learn how to help my hoarder relatives and friends, and this is the very first book, by an in-the-trenches cleanup expert, that provides a realistic assessment of what tools, comments, approaches, and plans actually work. Everything else available about hoarding has been heavily on the theoretical and psychoanalytical end, which is fine, except they're really still guessing about the mental/emotional origins and the full spectrum of hoarding. Mostly, then, they're describing it, not solving it, in their books. Paxton is the guy we see on TV coaxing hoarders to make decisions, or to recognize that something is ruined and must be thrown away, or to get back to the goal of the cleanup. He has a clear cut way of grading the hoarding level, a sensible approach to how hoarders can be helped, and a very realistic appraisal of likely outcomes. Interestingly, he advocates a lot of advance thought and planning before any cleanup is attempted. A book isn't going to magically solve a hoarding problem, but this one is a definite help. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:24:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1246199 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1246199 maggiep # 19- Heartless- Anne Elisabeth Stengl It was a fun fantasy story. It had a twist I did not expect, which was nice, took the story in a way I didn't see coming. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:06:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1247689 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1247689 Enrico1991 11. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce That was a tough man, very dry at times. Still reading Water for Elephants though. May start Catch-22 after that. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:41:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1250977 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1250977 maggiep #20- Dear Lady by Robin Lee Hatcher Now I am attempting War and Peace. Attempting it for the third time. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:57:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1251278 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1251278 mytwoblessings Good luck with War and Peace. Cheering you on to the finish line. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:18:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1252268 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1252268 mytwoblessings Starting BW 14 and declaring April to be Read A Russian Author month. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/03/bw14-read-russian-author-month.html Highlighted first chapter of The Brothers Karamazov which I'll be reading. On a different note entirely just spent three days at Left Coast Crime mystery conference in my home town. Discovered many new to me authors, purchased lots of books and meet quite a few people. Lots of fun. Plenty of authors and books to highlight in the coming months. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:21:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1252281 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1252281 Erica in the novel I'm impressed -- could never do any Joyce, not even that one. I'm looking forward to Water for Elephants. It is a ways down my list but I should make there before the end of the year. Catch-22, sigh! I so want to read that book and have started it three times over the years, the last just a few weeks ago. No idea why I can't get past page 35... Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:45:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253148 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253148 mytwoblessings I had to read that one for literature class a couple years back. Not one I'd ordinarily read by choice. It was a tough read. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:45:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253332 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253332 maggiep I attempted and couldnt get a few pages in. So I switched to Anna Karenina, which so far is going well. Someday, Someday I Will read all of War and Peace. But not this month. I dont know what it is about that book. Intimidation maybe? *shrugs* Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:02:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253377 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1253377 mytwoblessings When I first started reading it, just had to power through the beginning and not let myself get bogged down trying to keep the characters straight. As I read it, got to know the characters. Anna Karenina is good too! Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:33:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254199 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254199 maggiep I like Anna Karenina so far. It seems a little easier to understand. Maybe its because I saw some of the movie, so I kinda have an idea of the overall story. I didnt watch the whole thing, I stopped when I was really getting into it because I wanted to get the ending from the book, not the movie. Maybe that is why I'm so into now, I want to know what happens. Maybe I should try that with W&amp;P. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:59:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254284 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254284 Hopeful lily #15 All the Money in the World, What the happiest people know about getting and spending, by Laura Vanderkam. My problem with books like these is the authors are always upper middle class women whose husbands have very good jobs. They live in the affluent suburbs and reluctantly but steadily exercise their affluence in fairly typical ways. She even has a nanny. On the other hand, she does have a smart perspective on middle class acquisition assumptions, which is exemplified by suggesting trading off an expensive diamond engagement ring or wedding extravaganza for years of money in the budget for hiring house cleaners or babysitters...or even a nanny. She quotes extensive research to support her claims about what truly makes people happy. I simplify, of course. Many self-help books urge the reader to write a list of wishes and dreams for the future. If the reader does, much that is unexpressed comes to the surface. All to the good. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:35:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254523 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254523 Hopeful lily On a side note, if I've done my math right, I'm ahead of schedule and might actually reach the 52 book goal after all. Americans on average do not complete reading even one book per year. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:39:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254535 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1254535 dutchbando #22 Troubled Waters - Sharon Shinn Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:28:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258065 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258065 allwritemel Finished book 10 - Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult. VERY disappointing - 3/10 - and 2 of those points are for the courtroom scene and one for the scenes wit hone of the characters, Lucy! I didnt like the constant preaching and use of bible passages, or the in depth detail about how IVF and other stuff was done. I had to skip huge chunks, whether that was because she was preaching or giving too much depth. This is only the scond Jodi Picoult I have really disliked. Book 11 is A Cold Season ... hope that's better. I was so fed up and down yesterday that I bought another book, something I always swore I wouldn't do again ... of course Ifelt better until I left the shop ... then I wanted more! :-( I'm picking my books at random from a dark cupboard now so I never have any idea what comes next. I've got WAY too many books, and amny of them I haven't read. But I buy to make myself feel better ... Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:11:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258723 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258723 internet_jumbie #24 Swipe by Evan Angler MG dystopian with a release date in May. Not the worst stuff I've ever read - a lot of it was pretty good and the premise was interesting - but it could have been better; there were parts that lulled and a lot of the dialogue was fairly awkward. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:18:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258885 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1258885 DanieXJ Well, I'm up to 48 (I won't bore anybody with all of them). Nothing that stood out as amazing, though they were mostly good. But, there's lots of stuff in the next few summer months that I'm looking forward to! Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:39:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1262924 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1262924 dutchbando Wow! 48 so far this year? Impressive! I, for one, would like to be 'bored' with the list. I'm always curious as to what other people are reading. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:20:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1263187 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1263187 maggiep I am also curious as to what you read Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:23:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1263295 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1263295 allwritemel Me too! :-) Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:22:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1264306 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1264306 Erica in the novel Which one? The Joyce or Catch-22? Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:24:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1264693 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=7#forum_thread_comment_1264693 dutchbando Haven't finished any books in the last couple days, but I found some interesting statistics today. From the Huffington Post story on the latest Pew Research Center survey on reading: "19% of respondents aged 16 and over said that they hadn't read a single book in any format, over the previous 12 months - the highest since such surveys on American reading habits began in 1978. If this figure is accurate, that means more than 50 million Americans don't read books at all... And 5% of respondents reported reading 50 or more books over the past year. That's down from 13% in 1978, but still: who are these people and how do they find the time?" Who are these people? Wrimos!!! =) Congrats to us for shooting to be members of that 5%. I didn't spend every waking moment reading and frittered away thousands of hours perusing the internet and watching TV and I still managed 78 books. What in the world do other people do with their time? Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:51:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266057 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266057 maggiep That's quite an interesting statistic Dutchbando. Thanks for the info. I am so thankful that my mom is a reader and took time when I was young to spend an entire day on the hammock reading. I am very happy to be in that 5%. Last year I read 70 or 72(can't remember which number it was) books. So, I guess, just from last year, according to this statistic I'm all set for basically the rest of my life. Oh my word that's horrifying. To calm my nerves I am going to get a book now. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:36:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266251 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266251 maggiep Finished part one of Anna Karenina. 7 more parts to go. I'm going to take a little break and read a shorter book, then I'll go back to AK. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:38:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266261 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1266261 allwritemel Just finished A Cold Season ... Strange book and surprisingly scary (I'd say it was psychological horror). Now I'm hoping for a change of pace with teh Elizabeth Haynes debut Into the Darkest Corner, which I'll read in conjunction with James Patterson's Private London. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:50:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1267252 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1267252 DanieXJ Well, I do have some of the stuff I've read so far this year on this thread, back a ways, but I'm also on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1322858-danie I believe that everyone should be able to see it, don't have to sign up or anything. I read a lot of different things. Right now I'm working through 'A Tale of Two Cities', which is a book about the 2004 Red Sox and Yankees season (it'd be harder to read if I didn't know the ending... :)). While I just got done with Carry the One by Carol Anshaw (I keep meaning to read Aquamarine, but still haven't gotten to it), a couple of Invincible Iron Man Omnibuses by Matt Fraction (love that name). Eighteen Acres by Nicolle Wallace, which... political chick lit, who knew it existed right? But, before I read anything else today I have to get done with the darn cover letter. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:38:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1268106 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1268106 DanieXJ Oh, and if others are on Goodreads as well, feel free to friend me if you want. Though, if you don't I won't be offended either... Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:02:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1268496 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1268496 Magpie Ilya Finished the first two books since the spring equinox, "Golden Fool" and "Fool's Fate" by Robin Hobb. I'm not sure I actually <em>like</em> them, but it's been a long, long time since I was so absorbed in a book. I just did the barest minimum of housework, slept way too little, and spent most of my work day watching the clock, waiting for lunch break or going-home time. Reading an 800-page book in just three work days is pretty impressive, I think. Now I don't really know what to read next. That's one of the problems with gorging myself on good books, afterwards everything else seems to "taste" bland. Well, if we visit my father this weekend, I may borrow a stack of his crime novels, and take a break from Fantasy for a while. Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:59:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1269984 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1269984 mytwoblessings Interesting study. Everybody I know reads and reads alot. I wonder just who they surveyed? Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:23:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271863 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271863 mytwoblessings I added you. There are a few folks from 52 books who are on Goodreads. Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:25:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271866 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271866 mytwoblessings Hmm! They weren't that good but was so totally absorbed you wanted to do nothing else but read the story. :) I think its fair to say you enjoyed them. I always find it hard to get into another book after reading a long intense one. My mind has to unwrap itself from around the story. Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:27:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271871 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271871 mytwoblessings Week 15 is posted for tomorrow and since it is National Poetry Month highlighted a few links about poetry. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/04/bw15-national-poetry-month.html Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:29:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271877 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1271877 J.Kievsky I added you also (jekyvsk). I trust librarians' recommendations :D Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:39:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1272072 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1272072 Erica in the novel I totally agree! I almost don't want to read something really good if I don't have something else at least as promising lined up for afterwards. I loved Smila's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg, and thus found Paul Theroux's A Dead Hand a definite disappointment. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:21:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273320 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273320 Erica in the novel I tried adding you...but, well, are you Danie with no photo? Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:27:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273323 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273323 Erica in the novel I have been meaning to weigh in on this but I keep getting sidetracked. GoodReads says I just finished book 12. I was sure I was on #15, hmmm. Anyway, Book 12 (or 15) was Paul Theroux, A Dead Hand, A Crime in Calcutta. Not impressed! Too repetitious, too self-deprecating, too slow. I was not intrigued until the last 20 or 30 pages, when the answer to the mystery played out just as I was sure it would, no surprises,... except the last two pages, the purpose of which I still don't understand. Boring! Next Is Michael Moore, Stupid White Men. I wish I had had this ten years ago, but when you live out in the sticks you read what you can when you manage to get it. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:34:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273325 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273325 DanieXJ Yes, I think so. I keep meaning to find something to put as my photo, and then it gets shuffled to the bottom of the to do pile. Danie, female, joined in 2008 is what my profile says I think. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:11:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273518 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273518 allwritemel Well I've lost count now but I finished PRivate London in a day - great book. Started Shadows of the Wind but I wasn't in the mood for that type of book - ten I realised I need to read my new books because they are at the bottom of my wardrobe and messing my clothes so I swapped to Fern Brittain's New Beginnings. I like her anyway - and it's promising to be an enjoyable read - though not one I'll keeep sadly. I'm having to be ruthless. I can see a few books on my shelf now that I'll not keep - and maybe not read! :-( I cannot stand first person books and a whole bunch are first person present tense ... er, not for me ... I'll give them a go. 10/10 for Private London though. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:29:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273775 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1273775 amino Just popping in to say congratulations to those of you who are ahead or right on track, and YOU CAN DO IT to those of you who are behind! It's a great undertaking. -- I'm way ahead of this challenge at the moment (yay for free time!) and aiming for something a bit higher. But I just finished FAUST and ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. Both are fantastic and a bit confusing. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:38:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275301 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275301 Magpie Ilya Oh, they're definitely well-written and captivating. What I meant about liking/not liking them was more that they're not books that make me happy - there are some books that I reread regularly, or just pick up to read a couple of random pages or a particular scene, but the Tawny Man trilogy won't be among those. Which is a little disappointing, because Robin Hobb is capable of writing that sort of book, too (the Liveship Traders for me.) Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:32:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275360 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275360 DanieXJ Oof, I'm still stuck on 'A Tale of Two Cities' (Yankees/Red Sox 2004 book). The stuff by the Red Sox writer is easy to get through, but yikes, even though I know that my chosen team won it all that year, it's still hard as heck to get through the Yankee writer's parts (and, he's not even a bad writer, it's just the content). Shoot... this might be harder than when it took my like, two months to get through James' Portrait of a Lady. On the other hand, while being stuck in the Yanks/Sox book, I've gotten through a couple of other TPBs, so, not a bad thing. (Probably doesn't help that the Sox are currently seriously sucking either.... ah well... :)) Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:45:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275372 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275372 Tedds Compared to last year, I'm doing great so far! I've read 33 books this year and it's not even halfway April. Something which greatly helped was the fact that I moved near a gigantic library in January. Having a good source of books nearby is really a must for this challenge! I've been reading quite a palette of books. Not as much non-fiction as usual, but I'm happy I read some classics recently. Just this month I did the Dubliners which was a lot better than I anticipated (my English teacher hated James Joyce, so I didn't have much expectations) and The Metamorphosis by Kafka. I also read the Hunger Games novels - tonight I'm going to see the movie, I can't wait. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:35:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275489 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1275489 allwritemel Bit of a trip down memory lane here but my friend found me a book I've been searching for since I was 15 (I'm 45 now!) and I read it today while I was in bed with the flu. It was wonderful (The Little House At The Corner, a very rare Enid Blyton book which is no longer in print). It was fun to remember the characters and events - and interesting that I still associated most strongly with the character of Lizzie after all these years ... but I liked Aunt Grace more than i used to. Lovely, lovely story! :-) Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:32:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1276413 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1276413 Erica in the novel Ok, I clicked on the only one that came up when I wrote DanieXJ. (Just Danie got me tens of names.) No other info listed, just Danie. Oops, I think I'm listed under GoodReads as Ruth or Ruth Augustine. So, did I click the right person? Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:31:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1277874 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1277874 DanieXJ Yep.... I added you just now. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1278011 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1278011 Hopeful lily #16 The Yiddish Policeman's Union, by Michael Chabon. A murder mystery, I found this a little hard to get into because of all the Yiddish even I didn't know, and the phonetic spelling of familiar terms. People with no familiarity with Yiddish report it was much more difficult to enter. Stripped of the Yiddish and the plight of Jews worldwide that hangs over this alt history tale, the mystery is straight LA noir. An emotionally messed up hero who drinks, a complex puzzle, interference from on high, the ex, some violence and getting into tough spots with hired thugs, all of it is familiar territory, including being relieved of his badge and gun halfway through the story. The hero leads with his bruised heart, which makes depressing reading but puts the tale on an existential level that is far more meaningful than merely finding out who did the murder. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:01:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1278832 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1278832 Enrico1991 12. The Hound of Baskerviles by by A.C. Doyle I rarely read mystery, but I must say that this one is not as great as I first imagined it to be. 13. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 14. Water for Elephant by Sara Gruen. This was a top book. The characters were genuine, the plot was great and writing was a fluent too. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:52:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1280996 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1280996 maggiep #21- The Little Maid of Mohawk Valley- Alice Turner Curtis. It was published in 1924. I have a thing for vintage books. Now onto part 2 of Anna karenina Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:49:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1281520 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1281520 allwritemel Just finished New Beginnings by Fern Brittain and loved it. It was a much needed change of pace and a fascinating insight into the world of life if you're on TV. Not sure what my next book will be. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:26:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283168 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283168 maggiep I heard that today is D.E.A.R. Day- Drop Everything And Read Day. I am going to do my best to do it right. Granted I have to work, but fortunately my boss is a huge reader and all she said was "at least make sure you put the book down long enough to ring up the customers." Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:58:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283304 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283304 Erica in the novel On to number 13 (or is it 16?): Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje. I wasn't sure I wanted to start this one as I have never liked The English Patient (ok, movies are not books, I know that), but I am now totally hooked. The MC reminds me of Smila... Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:17:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283397 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283397 allwritemel I'm on goodreads as well but I've never really understood it ... maybe I'm thick or maybe I just need to ge tinto it properly. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:52:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283434 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1283434 dutchbando #23 The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho A coworker recommended this to me and many other friends list it as one of their favorites. However, this book seemed very overrated to me. I'm still not sure what his point is or why it wins such rave reviews as a book that helps people find their 'true purpose.' Oh well, at least I can say I've read it. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:05:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1284222 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1284222 Zookeeper I'm behind. I've only read 20 books so far. One of the most recent was <em>The Weather Makers</em> by Tim Flannery about global warming. Recommended. He makes the science accessible, and the book is well put together. The other recent read was <em> How to Start Your Career as a Freelance Editor</em> by Mary Embree. NOT recommended! It makes me furious that I spent good money on it. First, it's advertized as teaching how to work with authors, publishers, websites, corporations, etc. as a freelance editor. All it covers, though, is how to work with aspiring authors. Since my background is in corporate, scientific, and technical writing and editing, that's what I wanted to get into, and this book offered zero help. Worse, there are tons of typos, misspellings, punctuation mistakes, verb tense disagreement, usage errors, and run-on sentences. I would not want this author editing <em>my</em> book. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:18:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1284364 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1284364 Enrico1991 [quote=dutchbando] #23 The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho A coworker recommended this to me and many other friends list it as one of their favorites. However, this book seemed very overrated to me. I'm still not sure what his point is or why it wins such rave reviews as a book that helps people find their 'true purpose.' Oh well, at least I can say I've read it. [/quote] I agree it is stupidly Overrated. I read this one four years ago and then I started believing in his philosophy (if it is philosophy at all). I read all his books back then and started believing in them and took them seriously. Well you do stupid things when you are a teenager. I closed my eyes when I saw anything uncomfortable. I didn't discuss those uncomfortable things even with myself. When things started going wrong I believed that the 'UNIVERSE CONSPIRE' when you want something and it can't go wrong. You will obviously like people who things that appeals you, which makes you believe there is a more than a purpose of our lives. But now I realize that the things that are appealing to you are not necessarily true. There is no universe which conspire in our favour, there is no universal justice and there is no LED bulbs on your soul mate's shoulder. About Alchemist when I look back at it it is a book I read and maybe liked. Alchemist was still better than his other works. This book didn't help people to find 'true meaning' of life but soothed their senses making people believe in things that a 15 year old believes. It acted like a drug and made people believe. If you want to find real purpose of life you will possibly fail since there is none. But still Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus , Jean Paul Sartre may help us to find a bit more then we can find. Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:39:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1287933 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1287933 DanieXJ I'm up to 52 books. But.... my goal for this year is 150, so... definitely a few more to go. :) I've actually been stuck at 52 for almost a week. Slowly watching how many books I'm 'ahead' by go down and down on Goodreads... I'm still stuck on the Red Sox/Yankees 2004 season book by Massaroti and Harper, though I'm almost done. So, since it's not due back to the library for another two weeks I've started in on 'It's Classified' by Nicolle Wallace. I'm not sure why I'm reading it, but... hey, I read the first one in her Charlotte Kramer series, I may as well go for the second one in the political chick lit series. (Who knew that existed... :)) Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:32:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288143 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288143 Erica in the novel I just finished number 13 for me. I just flew through Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje, not a book one should fly through, but I just couldn't put it down. Anil reminds me of Smila in Peter Hoeg's Smila's Sense of Snow. Characters like Salander. I not only want to create characters like these, I suspect I want to be such a character myself. Next I think I will try Dude, Where's My Country? I really wanted to like Michael Moore's Stupid While Men and I sort of did but the more I think about it, the more I am becoming disappointed with it. Glancing over the reviews I see I am not alone in any of these feelings. I see several suggestions to not give up but try Dude... We shall see. Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:35:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288268 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288268 dutchbando 24 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain This book was precisely what I needed to read right now. I flew through the book. I am an introvert and so much of my personality, that vexes others and sometimes causes me consternation, got explained in scientific terms. Fascinating. I loved it. I think this is one of the rare books I'll probably end up owning. I gave up on a book too though. I tried reading 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss and made a valiant effort but could not get through it. I know its highly rated but I doubt I'll pick it up again. Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:17:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288331 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1288331 Erica in the novel Thank you for this recommendation! I will keep my eyes open for it: Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:02:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1290596 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1290596 mytwoblessings Smila's looks really good. Added it to my wishlist. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:12:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1290965 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1290965 mytwoblessings Week 16 - Judging a book by the cover over on 52 Books Blog - picked out a few books based on the cover. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/04/bw16-judge-book-by-cover.html Still working on The Brothers Karamazov. Keep finding other books to read between that capture my attention. Read Jeaniene Frost's Halfway to the Grave, then discovered Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series and read Spider's Web which was better than Frosts. So currently on Estep's 2nd book Web of Lies. Received a surprise book in the mail yesterday "The Raw Shark Texts" by Steven Hall. Always love when that happens. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:15:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1290972 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1290972 maggiep #22- Blue Moon Promise-Colleen Coble I like her Lighthouse series and bought this book last week. I enjoyed it. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:04:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1291755 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1291755 maggiep (and yep, im still on part 2 of anna karenina) Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:05:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1291759 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1291759 Erica in the novel Some say it is hard going so give it some time. I think it will grow on you. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:40:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1293401 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=8#forum_thread_comment_1293401 Enrico1991 [quote=maggiep] (and yep, im still on part 2 of anna karenina) [/quote] Best of Luck this is where I gave up. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:48:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1296191 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1296191 maggiep Thanks. I was able to gte through part 1 without setting it aside. I'm on the second book reading while still getting through part 2. At this point, I'm still "into it", at least, I still know what is going on, and my goal is to just finish the book this year. 1 part of the book a month and I should make it. I don't want to put it back on my tbr pile and see it taunt me. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:08:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1296225 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1296225 Erica in the novel Hmmm, Dude, Where's my Country? should have better as well. Most of the stuff in it is also in Fahrenheit 9/11, which I have seen (and enjoyed) several times, so it felt like I had read the book before. Glad to be starting something new. Back to fiction: Lost Souls by Michael Collins. Moving along quickly. The self-pitying MC bugged me at first but as more starts happening, it bothers me less. We shall see how it goes. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:31:36 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1299164 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1299164 maggiep # 23- Olivia's Touch- Peggy Stoks It was okay, didn't keep me up reading it Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:48:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1301793 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1301793 Erica in the novel Finished Lost Souls, it was ok.... Went to Goodreads to see what those who liked Smila and Anil also liked and found I had a copy of one of their recommendation on the shelf (I love a big library in my living room!): Minette Walters' Acid Row. Polished it off in about 24 hours. Yes, I enjoyed it, yes, it kept me enthralled, no, it was not the best of writing as a craft, but while I was in the midst of it I didn't care. Does a book of short stories count? Hope so, I am now about to start Manuel Rivas' Vermeer's Milkmaid. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:34:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307065 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307065 dutchbando A book is a book. Doesn't matter if its a novel, essays, poetry, or short stories. =) Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:52:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307109 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307109 dutchbando 25 Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power - Rachel Maddow Interesting and very fast read. Part history, part political commentary, I'm not sure I've completely processed her argument yet. To me, the most interesting part of the book was her discussion of the use of military 'contractors.' Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:56:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307111 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307111 mytwoblessings Just finished Nora Roberts latest "The Witness." Excellent as usual. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:18:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307350 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1307350 DanieXJ That's what I'm in the process of reading right now too Dutch. So far it is interesting, if depressing. (Has reminded me why I'm not a fan of the whole 'Saint Regan' thing...) I haven't gotten to the contractors yet, I'm still stuck in the 80s... (Darn you work for not leaving me time to read). Of course, then after that I have a couple of Iron Man TPBs, a couple of JSA/JLA ones, a couple of Unshelved Comic strip collections... a Eureka Media Tie in or Two. And.... hopefully the new Linda Fairstein and Kathy Reichs (very, very excited for those). Amazon's, or LibraryThings and Goodreads for that matter recommendation machines just can't stand me..... heh... Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:17:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1308536 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1308536 dutchbando I think I lost something by reading it at work where I couldn't give it my full attention. I feel like I'm going to need to read it again after doing some other background reading on the 1980s- what can I say, I'm a history geek. =) I connected more to the 1990s to present discussion because I remember those events. I was in early elementary school when Reagan left office so I wasn't aware of world politics. Being able to make a personal connection always makes things more interesting. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:13:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1308818 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1308818 Erica in the novel Ok, now I'm feeling really ooollldddddd.... Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:28:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309663 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309663 Erica in the novel I would like to read that one too. I heard an interview with Rachel on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and them I saw her on Jon Stewart, both times talking about this book. I wonder how long it will be until the Swedish library system gets it. (Patience, patience, there are lots of other books out there, and on your shelves), Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:32:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309665 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309665 DanieXJ Um.... well, I was just a kid back in the eighties too... the first president that I really remember is Bush 1. But, since I've been all grow'd up I've read a lot about the Regan years, and... not my favorite president ever...... (not that any of the recent ones are... ) Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:30:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309859 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309859 mytwoblessings book week 17 and on the 52 books blog talking about stories retelling of the Iliad and The Odyssey. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/04/bw-17-reimagine-iliad-and-odyssey.html I'm still plugging away reading The Brothers Karamazov. Finally gave up on One Hundred Years of Solitude - just not in the mood for it. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:26:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309923 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309923 maggiep #24-When Calls the Heart- Janette Oke Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:02:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309966 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1309966 Avalon of the Mists I can't find the notebook I'm keeping track in, but I have read 31 books since December 13. Yeah, I love to read. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:15:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1309985 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1309985 Earthsick I'm currently at 13 read books this year, currently reading two books at once. 'Tales from Earthsea' at home and 'Shutter Island' whenever I'm going somewhere by public transport. I'm almost done with 'Shutter Island' though. Also, thanks to my teacher at my afternoon classes on Monday and Wednesday (it's the same guy, lol) I know now how fast reading works, even though I'm still pretty bad at it. :') What I mean is, I don't need a magnifier after all. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:20:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1315744 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1315744 Hopeful lily #17 The Psychology of Wealth: Understand Your Relationship with Money and Achieve Prosperity, by Charles L. Richards About the time this author told a miraculous tale of the goodness and good luck of a pseudonymous, worthy man, I began to question his veracity. The stories of good people and their wealth achieved through hard work and fantastic luck were too smooth, too inspirational, too Everyman. The author has footnotes for many of his stories, so I guess he didn’t make them up; it’s only his style that grates on me. But I don’t need a motivational speaker to dazzle me with preposterous stories of amazing good fortune. In fact, I don’t trust people who tell these kinds of stories. I’ve met a few of these corporate con artists, and I think they’re selling bunkum. It also occurred to me that since such miracles as a would-be employer insisting on giving you a check for a vast sum, insisting that only you can do the job, and promising to be happy with whatever spare hours from other work that you could give to his project---well, since none of us are ever going to be in that situation, it’s depressing to be told it ever happened. If I really believe it did. Since that story did not have a footnote, I tend to believe it was massaged by the author rather than the exact truth. That's how uneasy this motivational slick talk makes me. That said, the author does seriously contemplate what makes people happy, and makes an equally serious effort to show that money is not the answer per se. I found his writing style soporific when I wasn’t actually questioning how padded his stories were. One interesting point he makes, about the only one in the book for me, was that in the past, access to credit was denied most people, and that meant they couldn’t make the capital investments that would allow them to become prosperous. He traces the history of credit as mostly for capital purposes, and links the expansion of credit with the expansion of prosperity. This I found quite credible. He’s not advocating a scarcity mentality, and I think that is sensible. On the other hand, if I was were the wife who came home and learned her husband had sold their home's furnace to buy into a "business opportunity," I'd have killed him, not applauded his resourcefulness as this author does. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:30:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1316068 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1316068 maggiep #25- No Place For a Lady- Maggie Brendan It reminded me subtly of Gone With the Wind. It was good. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:59:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1318956 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1318956 DanieXJ I'm up to 58. I've read three graphic novel/comic strip compilations while still trying to get through the intensity of Drift. I really like Maddow's writing, I just find that if a Non-fiction book is seriously serious, it takes me quite a while to get through it... and now I only have six or seven graphic novels still sitting (literally) in my To be read pile... oops... I think I went a little over the top in that section at the library... :) Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:53:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1319130 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1319130 Erica in the novel Here's my number 20: Brick Lane by Monica Ali. Only just started it but already it shows immense promise. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:35:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1319210 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1319210 dutchbando 26 The Hum and the Shiver - Alex Bledsoe I'm undecided on how much I liked this book. I enjoyed it. The premise was intriguing, but the ending seemed very rushed and there were some plot points that were not explained very well or glossed over. Apparently this is the first book of a series, but I'm not sure where the author would go - perhaps he'll explain more in further books. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:19:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1320202 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=9#forum_thread_comment_1320202 DanieXJ *Whoop!! Whoop!!* I finally finished Drift. Yikes it was depressing, but, also enlightening. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:41:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1322048 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1322048 sprites Hi everyone. I am doing the 2012 reading challenge on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/212097" rel="nofollow">goodreads</a> (feel free to add me there). I am aiming for 60 books and am behind at 17, but I think that puts me on track for 52. The books have been on the short side but as I have been very busy I don't think I'm doing too badly. I read a lot of fantasy and YA / middle grade and that's what I usually write too. I recently finished the Night Circus but was disappointed by it. However I discovered the 13 Treasures Trilogy by Michelle Harrison and am enjoying it so far. I can't believe so many people no longer see the value of reading a good book. So I'm glad to be around fellow readers! Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:27:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1325760 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1325760 Erica in the novel Congrats! I hope to run into a copy some day. Love that woman! Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:20:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1325838 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1325838 DanieXJ Short.... they're probably longer than my graphic novels, :) Heh. Still I'm up to 64 something books this year, but.... a lot of them are comic books, so... :) (Trying to catch up before the New 52 DC titles start coming out next month and so on... we'll see how that goes). I added you on GR (I'm Danie on there too). Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:30:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1328264 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1328264 Earthsick I only joined goodreads today aaand so far only set my goal to 30 books - that would be more than the amount of books I read last year. :) Oh well, that's me: http://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/419740 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:57:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1328294 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1328294 maggiep I am reading The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan. Why I started reading this book, knowing Im leaving for vacation next week.... *shrugging*. Oh well. Its a challenge to myself I guess. Finish the book before next Tuesday, or at least on next Tuesday. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:11:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1329437 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1329437 sprites I added you. :) I have been meaning to read A Wizard of Earthsea. I think I started it once but stopped (I do that sometimes ha). Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:52:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1329642 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1329642 Earthsick Added you too :D I got one of thos 4-in-1 editions (but added the books for the challenge separately because, meh, why should I cheat myself out of numbers?) and read the first four Eartsea books like a maniac. I didn't like A Wizard of Earthsea when I first read it some years ago, but Le Guin has a way of making the world she created so interesting as well as the characters that I fell in love with this series. &lt;3 (After reading it in English - instead of the translated version I read the first time.) Oh well, I guess I fell in love with books again. That feeling was a long time lost to me. I guess reading awesome classics kind of helped open my mind to all kinds of books. (Except some that are really bad - I didn't like "Twelve", especially since the author didn't seem to know what he was doing. Also, Claude was an unrealistic psycho.) Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:01:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1330191 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1330191 mytwoblessings Book week 18 - on 52 books blog talking about Japan's Golden Week http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/04/bw18-japans-golden-week.html Highlighted authors whose birthdays are this week: Happy Birthday to Authors Robert J. Sawyer - April 29 Larry Niven - April 30 Jacqueline Winspear - April 30 Joel Rosenberg - May 1 Stephen J. Cannell - May 2 Andy Adams - May 3 Susan Spencer Paul - May 4 And May is Get Caught Reading Month. Have fun and post pictures of getting caught reading. I finally gave up on The Brothers Karamazov. The chapter in which Ivan goes into great detail about children dying, being killed or tortured and maimed was the last straw. I couldn't handle anymore. It was a russian soap opera and all the characters were irksome and overly dramatic. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:11:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1333008 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1333008 Erica in the novel I am rereading a favorite author from my teenage years: Zenna Henderson. I was sure I had three of her books but all I can find at the moment is Holding Wonder. Just as wonderful as I remember. I decided to reread something rather than continue through the mountains (wrong visualization, ALL our books are carefully organized -- fiction by author, non-fiction by subject and then author) of unread books because I am thinking of writing something like her short stories sets which if I remember correctly were all tied together in some way. I have an idea for a sci fi for this year's NaNo but it doesn't feel right to set it as a straight forward novel. I want to dip in and out of a concept and build it up through many points of view. Tue, 01 May 2012 12:26:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1333832 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1333832 Enrico1991 15. The Haunting Of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Fri, 04 May 2012 11:15:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1342108 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1342108 maggiep # 26- The Great Hunt- Robert Jordan I was worried I wouldnt finish it before vacation, but with a few days of mega reading (159 pages the other day, 169 pages today), I finished early. I liked it and want to dive into the 3rd book. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:25:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1342855 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1342855 mytwoblessings It's book week 19 and we are highlighting Dean Koontz on the 52 Books blogs http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/05/bw19-dean-koontz.html What are you reading this week? Sun, 06 May 2012 14:46:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1347407 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1347407 DanieXJ I'm reading Media Tie ins.... :) Just like LezFic romance, Media Tie ins (like from CSI, Stargate, Eureka etc.) are one of my very favorite things, and not really looked on by the rest of the world as good upstanding reading.... but...I love it, so, I keep reading it. Right now the Eureka Tie in, Substitution Method is okay. As far as tie ins go, the author mostly has the show down, and what the characters sound like down. Only one big problem with the book. The author seems to think that if there were two people, let's say boyfriend and girlfriend, one going to MIT, the other going to Harvard, the author seems to think that 'those schools are close enough that they could see each other on weekends' Uh...... point of fact, those schools are close enough that they could bump each other going to classes (okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but sheesh.... :)) I'm also almost at 70 books for the year so far... going well. We'll see how far behind I fall if (when? If?) I get this new, many more hours, job. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:40:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1347687 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1347687 Earthsick After completing the awesome 'The Other Wind', the last book (so far, haha) of the Earthsea cycle, I'm now on Mineko Iwasaki's 'The Geisha of Gion' which gives an interesting insight of the life of the interesting society in Gion after the second world war and what being a geisha is about. Pretty much more detailed than the movie could ever be (I chose not to read Goldman's book as Mineko Iwasaki, who he had interviewed as research, didn't seem to be so happy about it - and after all, she lived this life!). It's also nice for a change to read about a woman who had power in her society and never really backed down from it. Maybe it's just me, but actually reading about women being on top is quite a rare thing, so I enjoy this book quite a lot. :) Mon, 07 May 2012 03:32:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349244 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349244 Enrico1991 16. The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Trivedi This is the worst book I have read in a long long time. The story is unnecessarily exaggerated and characters are as flat as it can be. I am tired of "People clenching their fists" in anger and "controlling anger with superhuman effort". And there was no ending. The novel ends in a fighting scene after 406 with to be continued. I am feeling robbed of my time and this is a National Best-seller. This is a classic example of I cannot write a book, I write Trilogies, kind of a writer. I think the writer had no ending in mind. Only the concept of the book was a saving grace. Moral: Don't go by the cover of the book. Mon, 07 May 2012 10:51:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349924 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349924 allwritemel Just finished reading the Freedom Writers and was blown away ... why? Because I've always believed adn been told I'm not good enough, clever enough, whatever to complete any training I do and pass an exam, do anythign more worthwhile than working in offices - despite the fact I had to quit working in offices for my own peace of mind, nobody understands that and goes on that I should go back to it. I can't go back to crying, literally, every single day. Please dont' get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with working in offices and it is a worthwhile job ... but it was killing me. I was like a square peg in a round hole and for over 20 years I tried to change my shape to fit but I couldn't. Then I quit and found a job i COULD do ... before having an accident and discovering the job that I KNOW I can do. Not sure if that makes sense. Now, having read their book, I can see that even though things are bad I can rise above it all and win that coveted prize of passing the course and making something good out of my life. THose kids went through such hard times - hell at times - but they never gave up. Now I won't - and I'll be on these forums in August telling you I've passed (I hope!) I'm tired today but that's partly self inflicted because I went out last night - but there are kids who have no sleep because they are homeless, or abused, so I need to kick my butt and get working ... wish me luck! :-) i would highly recommend that book! Mon, 07 May 2012 11:10:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349949 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1349949 maggiep #27- The Messenger- Siri Mitchell I received this book for book review for the publishers. It was my first time reading for review plus first time reading a book by Siri Mitchell. My thoughts? I liked the story. I enjoyed the intrigue, the dangers the 2 mc's put themselves into for the sakes of others. I thought the battles being fought within themselves and between each other were played out well. I will be checking out more of her books. Mon, 07 May 2012 12:16:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1350058 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1350058 DanieXJ Very cool. I remember getting my first ARC, Tess Gerritsen, Ice Cold, from the LT ER program. I was totally psyched, not that I won something, but that I got to read it months before everyone else.... heh heh... :) Tue, 08 May 2012 13:56:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1353176 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1353176 maggiep Yeah, I felt special :) Sure Im not getting paid, but I am getting free books Tue, 08 May 2012 21:29:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1354269 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1354269 DanieXJ Yep... and they're a different sort of free books, but, ask nearly any librarian (out of the way of the public) and most will agree that yeah, sure, we want to 'help people', but really, most of us just got into librarianship 'cause, well... we wanted to get to those free books first... mwhahaha... ;) Thu, 10 May 2012 14:38:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1358857 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1358857 Earthsick I picked up one of my fellow wrimo's published books - Wegstein - and I can't seem to put it down. Now I'm reading 4 books right now. One is for my afternoon class (Nibelungenlied), one is out of interest (Faust II) and the other two are just for fun. (Wegstein and Volume I of the complete edition of all Sherlock Holmes novels and stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - I love both so far for different reasons :D) Oh my, I hope Wegstein gets translated into English someday because it's so interesting. &lt;3 (It has quite the very different post-apocalyptic setting. And it doesn't throw difficult language at you while still being a novel for more grown up readers. Also, things about clocks.) Fri, 11 May 2012 00:19:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1360640 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1360640 dutchbando 27 The Expats - Chris Pavone This is not normally a genre I'd choose to read - a spy thriller - but it got good reviews in multiple places so I thought I'd give it a shot. The premise was intriguing, the beginning of the book is quite creepy and good as a psychological thriller; but as the plot thickens and the intrigue is revealed it just got boring. I never found myself caring about any of the characters or their purported predicaments. Everyone seems to accept all the twists and turns without any hesitation or exclaiming 'wtf mate?' when most people I know would have a hard time accepting them. It didn't seem terribly realistic and all of the characters come off as jaded. The writing style is also extremely dispassionate and very choppy so you never know if the events are in the past or present or really immediately now. Unfortunately the action switches between those three so you don't always know if you are reading about the past or present. Fri, 11 May 2012 11:12:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1361253 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1361253 DanieXJ Well, I'm up to 73 (with five, including the new Patterson (Women's Murder Club) one, waiting for me at the library). I'm also gonna try James Rollins, Sandstorm is the first book in the series. I usually try to stay away from guy written thrillers, but, we'll see how this works out. Now, if only I could find some more Bella or Bold Strokes books... it's been awhile. Ah well.... :) Sat, 12 May 2012 11:06:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1363422 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1363422 mytwoblessings I love guy written thrillers. James Rollins books - The Judas Strain is excellent. I have a couple more on the shelves. Meet him not long ago at a conference. Nice guy. Sun, 13 May 2012 16:01:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366230 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366230 mytwoblessings Week 20 - Linked to a few different authors on 52 books blog plus highlight author birthdays this week. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/05/bw20-time-for-some-linky-love.html I just finished reading Iain Pears' The Raphael Affair." I love art mysteries. This was the first book in the art history mystery series and his debut novel. Wasn't as well written as the rest of his books but that's to be expected. His other books in the series as well as An Instance on the Fingerpost and Stone's Fall are excellent. Last week I finished reading The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri. Beautiful writing but lacking somehow. Hints at Irish folklore and selkies myth and leaves you hanging with the storylines. You're never quite sure where she's going with it. One of those that you read the ending chapters a couple times because you think you missed something. Next up - Neil Gaiman's Anasi Boys and Cherry Adair's Afterglow. Sun, 13 May 2012 16:03:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366239 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366239 DanieXJ I have nothing personal against most of them. I like Raymond Khoury for the most part, and I've read a few others here and there (love the NTSB Crashers series by Dana Hayes I think is his name). I've just come across some lesser known, really, really, really badly written (by males) thrillers as well, and I tend to like both mysteries and thrillers written by women. But, after I get through a TPB comic (death of oracle) the new James Patterson and a Eureka Tie in... I'll give Sandstorm a try. (I think that the Judas Strain is in the same series as Sandstorm, not sure). Sun, 13 May 2012 17:51:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366505 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1366505 dutchbando 28 Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson I have to say, I think Brandon Sanderson is fast becoming my new favorite author. So far I have liked everything that he's written. I don't know how he comes up with this stuff and in such quantities but I'm not complaining! I'm not sure where he's going with this trilogy, but the first book was awfully good. I hope the next two are just as well written and interesting. Wed, 16 May 2012 20:58:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1374921 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1374921 thisdaydreamer I haven't been here in forever. I'm going for 50 books and I'm a little bit behind according to Goodreads. 1 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court 2 A Diamond in my Pocket 3 The Emerald Talisman 4 Howards End 5 Indiscretions of Archie 6 The Hunger Games 7 Catching Fire 8 Mockingjay 9 Jezebel's Daughter 10 Troilus and Cressida 11 Widdershins (by Oliver Onions - read the book by the same title by Charles de Lint some time ago - &lt;3) 12 The American Claimant 13 Anna the Adventuress 14 The Count of Monte Cristo The Evil Guest So far I've enjoyed all. Howards End and Count of Monte Cristo (liked the first and loved the second) really slowed me down but I read the Hunger Games trilogy in 50 hours. Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1375393 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1375393 DanieXJ 77 (including the new Patterson 11th hour... not a great one, why do they make Lindsay cry so much now?? Oy....) Thu, 17 May 2012 12:21:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1376417 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=10#forum_thread_comment_1376417 maggiep #29- Highland Sanctuary- Jennifer Hudson Taylor #30- Sweet Boundless- Kristen Heitzmann *this is the 2nd in a series and its an interesting story. The MMC, Quillan, is not my favorite guy, and yet, I find him so haunting that he is what draws me to read the stories. There is only one left and I do not have it yet, but I want to read it to read more of Quillan. Fri, 18 May 2012 17:03:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1380219 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1380219 allwritemel Just finished Covering McKellen, a diary of sorts written by Dave Weston (SP? I'm too tired to check) who has been in Eastenders, the Bill, and Dixon of Dock Green to name just a few. I was fascinated and learned a lot more about Shakespeare and what goes on during a tour, plus how and why they rehearse as much as they do. I'm meant to be throwing books out ... I can't throw this one out! Sat, 19 May 2012 18:20:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1382735 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1382735 dutchbando 29 The Well of Ascension - Brandon Sanderson Book Two of Mistborn. Quite good. I can't wait to start reading the last book! Sun, 20 May 2012 13:28:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1384646 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1384646 mytwoblessings Book week 21 - on the 52 books blog highlighting literary style - modernism. http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/2012/05/bw21-modernism.html If you've read James Joyce's Portrait of a Young Artist, Virginia Woolf's To The Lighthouse or other modernist authors you've had the joy of reading stream of consciousness narrative. It takes a bit of getting used too, being pulled into the mind of characters whose thoughts go from here to there and back again. It can be amusing, exasperating, mind expanding or make your brain explode, depending on the story. You definitely have to read a bit more slowly and be in the mood in order to read their books. I've had The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on the shelves for a few years now and for some reason have never gotten around to reading it. I seem to be stuck at G and H in my A to Z Challenge because there are a few interesting books on my shelves that struck my fancy. And it's also on SWB's list of books to read from the Well Educated Mind. So.... My quest will be to read The Great Gatsby this week. Who wants to join me? Sun, 20 May 2012 13:34:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1384656 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1384656 Hopeful lily #18 Turn Right at Machu Picchu, Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time, by Mark Adams. I picked this up at the airport and read it on the plane going to Peru. I got halfway through, past the part where he finally gets to Machu Picchu. And then I had a hiatus while I was there myself. Finally I've finished it. The author has an amusing and often insightful turn of phrase, tries not to insert himself too much into the story of his strenuous hikes across Peru with a grizzled adventurer, and gives much useful information about the lay of the land and the organization of the Incan sites. He explains current theories and known facts regarding the Incas. He also quotes early sources; I recognized some of the descriptions from other reference material I had read. This is all to the good, proof that he made the effort to synthesize whatever we know today with what was thought and found in the past. Although this was written as a travel memoir of his effort to replicate Hiram Bingham’s expeditions, it’s quite a useful guide to the modern experience of visiting Peru to see Machu Picchu, in more than one flavor. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:47:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1386928 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1386928 maggiep I would give it a try if I had it, but I don't. I'm still working on Anna Karenina. I have about 10 chapters left of part 2 and I want to finish them this month. Mon, 21 May 2012 13:34:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1387347 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1387347 mytwoblessings No worries. Glad to see you are still plugging away with Anna Karenina. Look forward to hearing what you think about it when you are done. Tue, 22 May 2012 14:07:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1390426 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1390426 maggiep That will probably be in December, lol. Im reading one part at a time, reading a diferent book when I finish a part(or sometimes reading a book while still in a part, depending on how into AK I am at that moment :) ), so I can give my brain a break. So far, it's not bad(if it was bad I would have stopped a long time ago). It's just such a thick book, and that is what is so intimidating. But, according to GoodReads I am about 25% through it, Yay! :) Tue, 22 May 2012 15:53:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1390613 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1390613 maggiep Finished part 2 of Anna Karenina Wed, 23 May 2012 14:06:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1393284 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1393284 DanieXJ I've decided to raise my books for the year to 175 (~3 per week instead of 2) for multiple reasons. 1, in one fell swoop I went from being 20 books ahead of my goal to being 11, so, that's a plus, also, I do admit that this year I seem to be reading a whole lotta graphic novels, which take me much shorter for the most part than novels or non-fiction books. We'll see if I can do it... :) Right now I'm at 79/175, still working on James Rollins' Sandstorm. Though I should really stop visiting the library (although in my defense, I can't, 'cause I work there) because every time I come home from the library I have more books to put on my literal TBR pile. Oops... :) Wed, 23 May 2012 18:33:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1393961 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1393961 maggiep You work at a library? I am so jealous :) Wed, 23 May 2012 20:10:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1394186 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1394186 DanieXJ I do. I'm a professional librarian some days, circ tech other days. But I love the patrons and the books and even the new Integrated Library System that we're about to switch over to. Of course, it also totally feeds my habit. But, since it's a reading habit and not some other habit I guess that it's not the end of the world. :) Thu, 24 May 2012 10:50:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1395562 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1395562 allwritemel I'm about to start it ... is it worth the read? Thu, 24 May 2012 10:59:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1395583 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1395583 Hopeful lily #19 The Stolen Crown, by Susan Higginbotham is historical fiction told from the point of view of two key characters from the end of the 15th century Wars of the Roses, Katherine Woodville, sister of a lowborn queen, and her husband, Harry, the Duke of Buckingham, of royal lineage. Once again, someone retells the Richard III story from the perspective of a person who loves and admires him but ultimately discovers Richard is a ruthless murderer of innocents. People keep writing about this period of English history because the mystery of who murdered the princes in the Tower has never been satisfactorily solved, because Richard III is a controversial character, and because the shifting coalitions among the aristocracy that pushed each coup d’etat are fascinating. This was well written and fast-paced, skipping times of peace to concentrate on action, giving just enough touch of the personal to bring these people in close. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:41:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396297 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396297 Hopeful lily I loved Anna Karenina, not just for the romance, but also for Tolstoy's amazing ability to see and describe the world in all its foibles and yet in an accepting and loving manner. No one I've encountered except Oliver Sacks has had that same way of describing the world. This despite what we know about Tolstoy as a selfish husband. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:49:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396326 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396326 allwritemel Just finished Anne of Green Gables! I enjoyed it becaues it was sweet - gentle, but I loved Anne and I want to read the rest of the stories (in this she was grown up and going to University) Bizarrely it said it was a 3 box set ... I must have downloaded it wrong because it only appeared to be one (first time I've tried to download a book on an ereader!) I'm now torn between Anna Karenina (as I'm hearing a lot about it at the moment) and the story of Helen Keller ... I'll click a book at random and see which I open! I'm so indecisive at the moment ... I'm meant to be studying but grandad has just had a fall (he's 90 in September) and badly hurt his shoulder - poor old guy is in agony so I can't concentrate on studying (although I'll have to this weekend because the exam is Wednesday morning). I can't sleep unless I read so I'm reading Simon Callow's new book, My Life in Pieces (don't want to read any more on the ebook tonight ...) It's a strange book ... he calls it an alternative autobiography. Got to go ... grandad is not good and the carers want him to go to hospital ... :-( Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396632 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1396632 maggiep I say, give it a try. I've put this challenge to myself to read it this year and that is what has gotten me through a few tough spots. I dont want to put it back on my tbr pile! :) I have read reviews that people either loved it or just couldnt get through it because they could not get into it. You won't know for yourself until you try it. Go for it. I'm rooting for ya! Thu, 24 May 2012 19:46:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397204 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397204 maggiep Absolutely. And seeing a librarian read helps motivate the visitors to read. Of the two libraries I visit, only one librarian I have seen reading. Im not saying the other one doesn't, but when I see the one librarian read I always ask her what she's reading, what her latest recommendations are. I've gotten good suggestions from her. Thu, 24 May 2012 19:50:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397221 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397221 maggiep I am beginning to see that, his description. Part 2 was more interesting to me. I am glad I kept with it. I am beginning to see the towns and countryside in better detail. I'm actually looking forward to reading part 3, which is a good sign :) Thu, 24 May 2012 19:54:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397226 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397226 maggiep Aw, poor granddad. I hope he feels better soon. Thu, 24 May 2012 19:59:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397239 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397239 maggiep *Correction on book 30- Sweet Boundless. That was actually book 29. I counted wrong somehow and skipped over 28. Soooo, that was actaully book 29. Book 30- The Jewel of His Heart- Maggie Brendan Thu, 24 May 2012 20:13:11 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397280 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1397280 allwritemel Thanks ... it's a broken collar bone ... they wanted to keep him in but, in the circumstances, mum pushed for him to come home because there was NOTHING they could do for him. Because of other medication, all he can have is paracetamol anyway. They called my sister to come and pick mum, nan adn grandad up. As for books, because I couldn't sleep I decided on a fairy story I'd bought in Disney - and read it straight through (it's quite long but beautifully illustrated and a pretty quick read. it was Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Levine Carson. I had got it when I went to Disney the first time but never read it but it seemed now was the perfect time. It does say there's a follow on but I couldn't find it when I went last time. All the adult books seem to have violence, death or something else in (that may bea generalisation but you know what I mean) and i REALLY didn't want to read anything like that. This was perfect and really sweet as well. Fri, 25 May 2012 03:26:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1398051 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1398051 maggiep It sounds like that was just the book you needed. Isn't it funny sometimes how we grab a book that we may not read right away, sometimes even for years, then all of a sudden we pick it up and its just what we needed at that moment. I'm glad you had that to read. Fri, 25 May 2012 08:32:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1398431 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/the-year-of-doing-big-fun-scary-things-together/threads/46628?page=11#forum_thread_comment_1398431