Dulcibelle's jumping in

May 1 just sounds like a good time to start a challenge. I'm not going to try to list what I've read since the first of the year, I'm just going to start fresh. (I won't even count the books I finished yesterday LOL). I'm starting a book journal, too, so I can try to read with a little more focus. I tend to fly thru books and just skim the surface. Then, when folks talk about a book, I can remember reading it, but remember very little about the plot, characters, etc. I'm not going to set a goal (life's a little uncertain right now); I'm just going to keep track.

1. Clay's Ark by Octavia Butler - I just discovered this author thru recommendations on LT. I read the first books in this series last week, so should finish up the series (final book, Patternmaster) soon.

Finished Clay's Ark last night and found it a little . . . disturbing is too strong a word, but it's definitely unsettling. I like Octavia Butler's work, but it's strong stuff, and takes some thinking to get through. I was going to start Patternmaster, but think I need a break first. Some "brain candy" if you will. So, this morning I started:

2. Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy - I've read her High Stakes and it's just the fluff I need to counteract Butler.

I finished Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy before breakfast. It's actually a sequel to High Stakes (something I didn't realize) but is OK as a standalone because it talks about other characters.

3. Patternmaster by Octavia Butler - I'm going to finish the series this weekend. The beginning shows where Clay's Ark fits in this universe; something I was wondering the whole time I was reading it.

Finished Patternmaster - this was my favorite of the series. It didn't seem as dark, but does leave room for more. I need to see if there's a sequel that didn't get put in my anthology.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - I'm starting the reread (along with half the world). I probably won't comment, just list as I complete the books. It shouldn't take too long.

5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)

6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I'm starting Thunderstruck now.

**some of the touchstones aren't working this morning**

10. Thunderstruck - I really enjoyed this book. Erik Larson has a conversational style, and makes history interesting. I like the way he combines a monumental event with a darker one to show all sides of an era. I also like the fact that he doesn't use footnotes (so the story flows well), but does include extensive notes and bibliographic data at the end of the book.

I'm starting on Neil Gaiman's American Gods now, and am trying to figure out what to take on vacation next week so I don't run out of things to read that will match whatever mood I'm in.

11. American Gods - I really enjoyed this book. I connected with Shadow right off, and the story kept moving well. Now I need to read more about the mythology of other countries to see where all these gods fit in. I'll be reading more by Neil Gaiman.

12. The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker - this was a fun romp. A YA fantasy I discovered by browsing the shelves at B&N, I really enjoy the strong female protagonist.

13. Dragon's Breath - More about Emma and Eadric. Still fun, still easy to read.

14. Once upon a Curse - Still more with Emma and Eadric. This was a little darker, and little more grown up, but still lots of fun. Grassina might have been a little over the top, but everything worked out well in the end. I can't wait until the fourth installment is out in paper.

15. Kitty Takes a Holiday - I picked this up for a bit of fluff. I remembered the first two in this series as funny and light hearted. This installment was much darker but still quite good. There was more character development in this story and we learn much about the history of Ben and Cormac.

I'm starting North by Northanger next, then may move to something a little deeper.

16. North by Northanger - finished this up. Really enjoyed it, but now I need to read Northanger Abbey to catch some of the references. I'll need to pick up a copy soon.

Started Every Inch a King by Harry Turtledove. Since I'm on vacation, I decided I didn't need to read anything heavy right now.

17. Every Inch a King - Not the usual Turtledove. It wasn't bad, just not what I was expecting - and not as funny as it could have been.

18. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives (Sisters Grimm) - I really like this book. It's entertaining without talking down to the kids. Sabrina (the older sister) is a little grating - but, after all, she IS eleven (almost twelve).

19. The Sisters Grimm Book 2: The Unusual Suspects (Sisters Grimm) - Warning!! Don't start this book unless you have Book 3 close by. The last three words in Book 2 are: "to be continued". Don't worry, the mystery in Book 2 (who's killing the teachers??) is solved, but Sabrina jumps into a new adventure immediately and gets into a jam right off the bat. This series continues to enthrall me.

I'm reading Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and Grille by Steven Brust now. So far, meh.

20. Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and Grille - Still meh. I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't it. Maybe, because of the title, I expected more comedy - kind of like Lady Slings the Booze by Spider Robinson.

The ending felt a little rushed and a little flat. Not horrible, just not particularly good.

I felt the need for some fluff, so I'm reading The False-Hearted Teddy: A Bear Collector's Mystery by John J. Lamb

**touchstones just WON'T get the correct record, maybe because I'm the only one who's cataloged a copy.**

21. The False-Hearted Teddy - I had one little quibble with a legal matter in his story (I'm a law librarian in real life), but I really like this series. There's something really endearing about a retired policeman making artistsan teddy bears. The stories are easy reads, but I really like the characters.

22. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris - typical Sookie Stackhouse, except I like that she's quit pining over Bill.

I've started The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. We'll have to see how it goes.

23. Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods - I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Good, strong female characters quite willing to stand on their own if needed. And, there weren't many instances where I shouted at the character "Just tell him/her!!" So many romance novels turn on the fact that the characters won't TALK to each other.

I'm still enjoying The Historian but it's a really dense book, and is taking some time to finish. As a break, I'm reading some fluffy romance between chapters. Next fluff read - A Slice of Heaven also by Sherryl Woods.

24. A Slice of Heaven by Sherryl Woods - This one had some of that "Just TELL him/her" but Woods handled it well. It never got to the point that I was totally disgusted with the characters. I like the way she handled the characters' eating disorders.

I'm almost finished with The Historian, and have started the third Sweet Magnolia story, Feels Like Family as my fluff read. I'm not sure what I'll start next for my "serious" read.

25. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - I really liked this book. Lovely language - the author paints beautiful word pictures. I liked the characters very much and really cared what happened to them. So much so that I wasn't totally happy with the ending. But, it fit with the story so it wasn't completely disappointing.

Decided on Robin Hobb's Ship of Destiny for my next "serious" read. I need to finish that trilogy.

26. Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods - This was my least favorite of the Sweet Magnolias trilogy. I didn't like the things Helen was willing to do to have a baby of her own. It ended OK, but I really got irritated at the characters.

Still working on Ship of Destiny, and I've started Naked in Death as my "bathroom book". I'm already hooked!

27. Naked in Death by Nora Roberts - I loved this book. So much I rushed right out to get the next two in the series. I sure hope they live up to my expectations. I started Glory in Death last night.

Still working on Ship of Destiny as my "commute" book.

28. Glory in Death by Nora Roberts - The Eve and Roarke story got a little sappy; I thought I was going to have to shake Eve. But, it ended well, and the mystery/police procedural was quite good.

RL is getting in the way of reading (I HATE that) so I'm still reading Ship of Destiny, but it's going well, and looks like all the loose threads will be tied up nicely.

29. Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb - Finally finished this one. I really like the way Hobb builds worlds and sure hope she revisits this one soon. She tied up all the loose ends, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything, but I like these characters and this world, and would love to see how things work out down the road.

Now reading Beautiful Jim Key as my "commute" book and working on another Eve Dallas story, Immortal in Death as my "bathroom book".

30. Immortal in Death by Nora Roberts - this series continues to be wonderful. Quite a conversation starter too. Just watch what happens when someone sees you reading this series.

Beautiful Jim Key is on hold right now. With Joe in the hospital, I need something that I don't have to think about much. So, I'm reading Sick Puppy. Seems pretty funny so far.

I am really surprised by how consistently good the ... in Death books are, dulcibelle. A lot of series get really tired after a while, but these are still interesting. There is a bit of formula there, but she actually has her characters grow and learn in believable ways. I like the way she adds characters on, too, and it's not just the main characters that get the interesting character development. I am not a romance book reader, and I don't really like Nora Roberts' more traditional romances, but I do love the Eve Dallas books.

31. Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen - what a fun book! I work in a law firm, so am familiar with most of these character types (lawyers aren't much different from politicians!). Hiaasen does a wonderful job drawing the personalities, and making you care - even with all their quirks. I really enjoyed how the bad guys got their just desserts. I'll be looking for more Hiaasen.

I'm still reading slowly thru Beautiful Jim Key. It's good, just takes a little more concentration than I have right now. I'm thinking of starting No Nest for the Wicket next. Those are always a good, light read.

32. Beautiful Jim Key by Mim Eichler Rivas - I enjoyed this book. Of course, like every "little girl" I'm a sucker for horses. This book tells the story of a little horse that helped launch the humane treatment of animals movement by showing what is possible using kindness in training/teaching methods. His owner, Dr. William Key, taught Beautiful Jim to recognize letters, numbers, and words and respond to questions by spelling his answers. Unlike Clever Hans, who was proved to be getting cues from his handler and could only perform when his handler was close by, Jim really seemed to have learned his letters. He could, and frequently would, answer questions put to him by his audience while his owner wasn't anywhere close around. I really wish there were records that could be studied by scientists today to see what was going on.

Anyone who enjoyed Seabiscuit: An American Legend or Black Beauty will enjoy this book. It's a wonderful look back at an amazing animal and an amazing time in history.

33. Lamb : The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore - OK, now Moore's on my list of read everything he's written. This was a fantastic book. It was quirky without being sacreligious and just what I needed right now. I really appreciate that Moore didn't see the need to "change the ending" or make less of it than what Christians believe. All in all, a very fun book.

34. Just Shy of Harmony by Philip Gulley - similar to Jan Karon's Mitford books, but not as well done. Somehow, I just don't care as much for these characters as I do for Father Tim, et. al. These are an easy read however, and aren't horrible, so I'll probably read the rest of the series.

I'm working on Whims of Creation as my bathroom book, and No Nest for the Wicket as my commute book. It's going pretty fast. I'll probably start Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows soon. It will make a good hospital book.

*touchstones are wonky again. Deathly Hallows comes up with something totally different, and no touchstone for the correct book. Ah, well. We know what I mean.*

35. Whims of Creation by Simon Hawke - this one was just OK. It's about a "generation ship" on a colonization mission. Life is good, but people are beginning to commit suicide. At the same time, other folks are reporting sighting strange creatures, and some of the children are getting caught up in a "rogue" virtual reality game. It was an interesting attempt at blending sci-fi and fantasy, but didn't quite pull it off. The book wasn't offensive, just meh.

36. No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews - This was as good as all her others, with a nice twist at the end. I really like Meg's family. They're all nuts - but nice nuts.

I'm still reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (still the wrong touchstone). This may take a while. The book is just TOO big to haul around with me, and I haven't been home much lately. So, my "carry around" books are Fluke or, I know why the winged whale sings and Spindle's End. I'm REALLY liking Fluke and am looking forward to lots more of Moore!

37. Fluke or, I know why the winged whale sings by Christopher Moore - too much fun!! Moore has just the quirky sense of humor I really enjoy. I've still got about 4 of his books on my TBR shelf. I'm looking forward to them.

However, I've decided to dive on in to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I got a bigger tote so I can carry it to work easier. I need to get it read so my sister and I can discuss it.

Still working on Spindle's End, and my new copy of Time Enough for Love arrived at the bookstore - so I'll be dipping into that off and on too.

Ohh...so I'm NOT the last person on earth to read Deathly Hallows! I just finished it last Saturday. I guarantee you'll enjoy discussing it.

Don't worry, people - I haven't even started it :)

Are you managing to avoid picking up on how it comes out from people who HAVE read it?

I am, actually. I'm not much of a fan (obviously ;) so I don't read any HP sites or groups, and all the things I DO read are by people who use spoiler warnings, so I can skip it. And I just don't read reviews or anything.

I've run across one or two spoiler bits, but for one, I don't know if they're accurate, and for two, even if they are, they weren't anything unexpected anyway.

You know, I have read all the other HP books, but I can't get enthused to read the last one - I haven't even bought a copy. I read the spoilers, because I am tired of Harry, and I just don't care anymore. Maybe this is my end of summer blues thing.

I've managed to avoid spoilers but my sister REALLY wants to discuss the book. I'm about half way through, and have gotten to the point that I'd rather be reading than working. I'm hoping to finish this weekend.

31 mydomino

Oh, I haven't bought it. I don't own any of them - I wouldn't waste my money; I only buy books I'm going to reread. I'm not enthused about it, but...I read the rest of them and I'm curious to know what happens.

38. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling - I'm going to have to read it again to catch everything, but I'm satisfied with the ending. I like that Rowling gives us a glimpse of the future to have an idea of what happens to our favorite (and not so favorite) characters.

I've really been feeling the need for a "comfort read" so have started Time Enough for Love. I'm still working on Spindle's End as my bathroom book.

TEFL is one of my favorite comfort reads, too. I also like Fear No Evil and To Sail Beyond the Sunset.

I discovered TEFL at a pivotal time in my adolescence, and have looked at it as an old friend every since. I've read the covers off 3 paperback copies (and I'm not hard on my books) and am now working on a 4th copy. Some day, I'm going to have to find a hard cover copy.

39. Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlein - always a satisfying read.

I've moved Spindle's End from the bathroom to my main book, so should finish it shortly. I'm not sure what I'll tackle then, but I'm leaning toward Anonymous Rex. That just sounds like fun.

40. Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur - the new Riley Jensen book, and I just couldn't resist. This series stays wonderful. An intelligent romance that doesn't turn on how many times the heroine jumps into bed. I really feel sorry for Riley and her all-too-real (even in a paranormal romance) man troubles.

I'm still working on Spindle's End but it's a little slow going. Robin McKinley writes beautifully and draws great word pictures, but sometimes I just wish she'd get on with the story. Some of that could be my mood right now. I will be reading more McKinley, just not immediately.

I started Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich this morning as my bathroom book.

41. Spindle's End by Robin McKinley - Finally! I don't know why, but I had trouble finishing this book. It was well written, and I enjoyed the imagery, but the characters never grabbed me. I'll try McKinley again - I still have Beauty on my TBR shelf - but not soon.

I've started Anonymous Rex by Eric Garcia. Dinos disguised as humans, working as detectives. What's not to like??

42. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich - just as good as her other Stephanie Plum stories.

I've started Dark Tort as my bathroom book.

I'm noticing that while many of the other 50 book challenges are full of "meaningful" and "important" books, mine is mainly filled with fluff. I have those books on my TBR shelf (check out my catalog), but I seem to keep choosing the fluffy titles. Guess I'm not mentally prepared for a challenge right now. Ah well, reading is supposed to be for fun anyway.

You haven't been reading mine. :)

(Not that I've been posting that often in it.)

Thanks for the encouragement. I just checked your list, and while there's plenty of fun stuff there, you've got some heavy hitters as well. RL is just making it difficult for me to commit the brain power to anything more than fluff. My more serious stuff will still be there when I can get to it.

43. Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson - I really enjoy the Goldie books. They're always good and they make me hungry!!

Haven't decided what to tackle next. I've still got a few pages of Anonymous Rex, but that won't take long to finish up. I don't know if I want to continue with Casual Rex or take a break for a bit. Decisions, decisions!

44. Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore - not my favorite Moore, but good enough that I'll be getting the sequel (You Suck) when it comes out in paper.

45. Casual Rex by Eric Garcia - finally finished, only to discover that I wasn't reading Anonymous Rex at all! The book is an omnibus containing both novels, and the title (Anonymous Rex/Casual Rex) lead me to believe that Anonymous was first in the volume. Not so!! Any way, the book was entertaining, and I still like the idea of hard-boiled detectives that are disguised dinos. I'll be finishing this omnibus and reading Hot and Sweaty Rex (ordered from Bookcloseouts.com) when it arrives.

I've started Disunited States of America as my "bathroom" book.

Got sidetracked from Disunited States of America and Anonymous Rex both. Picked up Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong because it was the closest book, and I can't put it down! I really like Nadia and the whole hitman "culture" Armstrong has created. I sure hope she continues with this character.

I liked Blood sucking Fiends but I did think Lamb; the gospel according to Biff was a lot funnier. I recently discovered Moores books and I want to read all of them.

Fluke is lots of fun too, and has inside jokes that are REALLY funny to marine biologists (so says my marine biologist sister). She says that Christopher Moore did his homework on this one.

46. Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong - I REALLY liked this book - and this character! I like the twist of her owning a mountain lodge and financing the lodge by being a hitwoman. I sure hope Armstrong writes more about Nadia.

47. Disunited States of America by Harry Turtledove - the Crosstime Traffic series may be YA but Turtledove doesn't talk down to the kids which makes them good adult reading too.

I've started Modoc as my commute book and Hunting Badger as my bathroom book. Both have started out well.

48. Modoc by Ralph Helfer - Helfer is the owner/operator of Africa, USA - the Hollywood company that supplied many of the animals for movies and TV shows; most notably Clarance the Cross-Eyed Lion and Judy the Chimp from Daktari (a series from the '60's). Modoc is the first elephant he had in his stable. Helfer met Modoc when she was already in her 30's. He later met (and worked with) Modoc's original handler (Bram Gunterstein) who told him Modoc's story. And what a story it is!! Modoc and Bram were born on the same day in a little German circus. They were shipwrecked in the Indian Ocean, adopted by an Indian maharajah, employed in the teak jungles, hijacked by rebels, brought to the US as star circus performers, separated by a cruel twist of fate, and later reunited by Helfer. It's animal adventure in the tradition of Lassie, Come Home or Lad, A Dog - and it's all true.

Helfer has an easy way with words, and you can tell he really loves his subject. He's written another book about a lion he worked with. I may have to find that one too.

I've started The Protector's War now. Quite a change from Modoc. I'm also still working on Hunting Badger.

49. Hunting Badger by Tony Hillerman - finally finished this one. It wasn't difficult, in fact it was really fun, I just haven't had time to read much lately. I've been buying a house and working on getting things ready to move.

Still working on The Protector's War, although I find it interesting that I'm over half way thru and the war hasn't started yet!

Not sure what I'll start next for my bathroom book. Maybe the next in the Eve Dallas series.

50. The Protector's War by S.M. Stirling - Wonderful book, but the title is confusing. There was no war and the Lord Protector didn't even come into the story until the last few chapters. I really think it should have had a different title. Ah well. On to Meeting at Corvallis (which at least STARTS with a meeting at Corvallis!)

I'm also working on The Silent Passage (yes, it's that time of life) and still working on my current Eve Dallas read. Between Joe and the new house, I've not had much time to read.

However, I have officially finished my 50 book challenge -and in only 4 months. I won't increase my challenge, just continue keeping track and see where I end up for the year.

51. The Silent Passage by Gail Sheehy - finally finished this little volume. It helped explain some of what's going on with me (why my memory is about 2 seconds long, for instance). Not a truly enjoyable read, but interesting.

I'm still reading Meeting at Corvallis (and really enjoying it) and still working on Rapture in Death as my bathroom book. I sure wish "real life" would quit getting in the way of my reading!

52. Meeting at Corvallis by S. M. Stirling - I really enjoyed this book - I LOVE Stirling's world building - but I did NOT like the ending. I understand the ending, it makes sense, it's even necessary for the story line. But, I DON'T have to like it.

Actually, there's just one little part of the ending I didn't like. I'd say more, but there just might be someone reading this, and I don't want to spoil things.

I'm not sure what I'll read next. I've pulled both Mistborn and Signs and Wonders from my TBR pile. I'll have to see which one calls the loudest.

I am still working on Rapture in Death. Need to pick up the next couple in that series so I'm not caught short.

I haven't read Meeting at Corvallis, but I know what you mean about the ending. I can think of several books where I wanted to re-write the endings my own way, but at the same time I understood why they HAD to end the way they did.

53. Rapture in Death by Nora Roberts - another wonderful Eve Dallas story. I continue to really enjoy this series.

54. Signs and Wonders by Philip Gulley - third in the Harmony series. These are easy reads, and somewhat enjoyable, but I keep comparing them to Jan Karon's Mitford books. I just don't find the folks in Harmony as nice as the folks in Mitford. But, the series is engaging enough that I'll probably read them all. I'd better. They're already on my TBR shelf!

Working on Mistborn now, and have Ceremony in Death line up as my "bathroom" book.

**what's with the red touchstones??**

55. Ceremony in Death by Nora Roberts - another good Eve Dallas story. These are just right for me now; entertaining and engaging without requiring a lot of brain power. I've got so much going on in RL right now that I'm not up to a challenging read. In fact, Mistborn is going back on the shelf until I can do it justice.

So, next on my list will be Vengeance in Death. And, I'll take my Borders coupon to the store and get the next few in the series today or tomorrow.

56. Vengeance in Death by Nora Roberts - more good Eve and Roarke. I really like how she keeps adding and developing the "secondary" characters too. Keeps things from getting boring.

Started Holiday in Death this morning, but my local bookstore doesn't have the next in line. So now I have to decide if I want to read "out of order" or see if I can find it elsewhere. I'll have to think about this. It's not as if I don't have plenty of other things to read. Maybe I'll go with a Christopher Moore next.

57. Holiday in Death by Nora Roberts - finished and enjoyed. I've decided to take a break from Eve and Roarke - my local bookstore still doesn't have the next in the series. And, none of my Christopher Moore's were available when I finished Holiday . . . so, I chose the next Harmony novel, Life Goes On. This one is in first person, which is a little jarring since the others are all in third person, but it doesn't take much brain power to enjoy - and everything has to go to prepping for the move now!

58. Life Goes On by Philip Gulley - It's still a little weird that this volume was in first person, and I've not been able to find a reason. Still, it was enjoyable and a quick read.

59. A Change of Heart by Philip Gulley -This one was back in third person. I liked this the best of the series so far. The folks in Harmony didn't seem quite as rigid.

I'm either going to go back to Mistborn or will start Imperium. Depends on which seems to take less brain power.

60. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson - I finally finished this. Of course, I've been moving and working and getting Joe ready for his extended hospital stay - so it's not like I've had a lot of time! LOVE Mistborn - Sanderson does a really good job with world building, and I'm really intrigued with the source of his characters' powers. Not the type of thing you see every day. I'm looking forward to the sequel, but will wait for it to come out in paperback.

Next up - Imperium

61. Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley - A very short "novelette" in the Harmony series. Again, it's written first person, not the third person the series began with (and finishes with). I dropped an email to Gulley asking why he changed voices, but haven't received a reply. Ah, well. Guess it's just one of those things.

Still working on Imperium and am enjoying it for now.

62. Imperium by Robert Harris - While it started off OK, it finished sort of 'meh'. Not bad, just not all that good. Very detailed, and seemed to be historically accurate (ancient Rome is not a well-known era for me), but for much of the book there really didn't seem to be anything happening. Guess political pot boilers aren't my cup of tea. I did enjoy Harris' writing style, so will probably read others of his work at some time.

Read a story or two from Mr. Lincoln's Wars, but it seems rather dark, and is NOT what I'm in the mood for right now. So, I'll try 1862 : a novel, an alternative history about the Civil War. I know, it's still the Civil War, but so far, it isn't as dark in tone as the other book is.

I've got to get my TBR pile unboxed so I have a little more to choose from!

I've put 1862 : a novel on hold for right now because I just found (and bought) the new John J. Lamb teddy bear mystery The Crafty Teddy. I LOVE that series and just couldn't wait to start the story. I also picked up the newest Pern book and may put that next on my TBR list.

63. The Crafty Teddy by John J. Lamb - As satisfying as the first two in this series. I really get a kick out of the idea that a retired homicide detective would enjoy collecting and making teddy bears. Character development is what drives this series (for me at least). I love watching what happens next in the characters' lives. It helps that the mysteries are good too - at least, I don't figure them out easily. I sure hope Lamb can keep up the good work. While I'd love to have another story NOW - I'd rather have another GOOD story.

Started on Warriors : Into the Wild because it was handy when I finished the teddy book. While this is a YA/kid's book, it's already hooked me. I'll need to find more in the series.

64. Warriors : Into the Wild by Erin Hunter - surprisingly good (that sounds a little pompous, like I don't think YA books can be good - but I don't mean it that way). I'll be looking for the rest in the series. I like these little cats.

Starting with Belles on their Toes, the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen. I found a copy at Bookcloseouts.com and then forgot I'd put it in my cart. It arrived yesterday and I just couldn't resist diving in. I read the first book many times when I was younger, but had never gotten around to reading this one. I've seen the movie (actually BOTH movies - the originals with Myrna Loy) so I'll see how it stacks up to the book.

I just re-read Cheaper by the Dozen---an old favorite of mine. I had forgotten there was a sequel. Looking forward to hearing what you think of Belles on Their Toes--I may need to look for that one myself.

65. Belles on their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth - As with most sequels, not as good as the original; but then, Father Gilbreth was such a vital part of the family that he was sorely missed in this second book. Still, I enjoyed reading about the further exploits of the Gilbreths and how they survived without Father. I did feel that the later years of the family (before the younger children left home) were not covered as well. Guess that's to be expected since the authors were no longer at home, but out making their own way in the world. I just missed the detail of the earlier years.

Found 1824 : The Arkansas War in paper this weekend, so had to start it. Good stuff so far.

66. 1824 : the Arkansas War by Eric Flint - I finally finished this one. I really enjoyed it, just didn't have much time to read with everything that's going on. I like this series, but really wish Flint had included some endnotes. I realize that this is alternate history and we took a BIG left turn from the truth in 1812 : the Rivers of War, but he's still based his theories on history, and I'd love to know what he's considering. Also, there wasn't anything about a sequel. I'm sure there will be one - there HAS to be - but there's nothing in the paperback that mentions a next book. Guess I'll have to be patient.

I picked up Dancing With Werewolves: Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator (touchstones just don't want to work for this title. Here's the link: http://www.librarything.com/work/3805288/book/24230039 ). The next few weeks promise to be REALLY stressful, and this looks like the fluff I need.

67. Delilah Street : Paranormal Investigator by Carole Nelson Douglas - I really enjoyed this new offering by Douglas. Delilah Street is an investigative reporter who moves to Las Vegas and gets involved in solving a decades old crime. Delilah reminds me somewhat of Eve Dallas from the . . . In Death series by J. D. Robb - she's not quite as hard boiled, but the characters have similar backgrounds. More than just paranormal fluff, this book includes a gripping mystery and just enough sizzle to keep things interesting. I look forward to future titles in this series.

Santa brought me the next SIX titles in the Eve Dallas series so those will be next on my list - starting with Conspiracy in Death

68. Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb - Another in the . . . In Death series, and it shows no sign of growing stale. This series reminds me of a good TV series. In fact, it would probably make a good TV series. I like the growth the characters show, both the main characters and the secondary characters.

I joined the B&N First Look book club, and got an ARC to review. So, my next read will be The House at Riverton by Kate Morton.

69. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton - WOW!! What a great book! Morton has crafted a tale very Gothic in tone. Set at the end of the Victorian era, this is the story of love and tragedy; secrets kept and told. Grace is a young housekeeper at Riverton and becomes the lady's maid for the older Hartford sister. Now at the end of her long life, she records her memories for her grandson - memories that show the accepted versions of events in the lives of the Hartford girls were far from correct.

A wonderful tale, this book keeps you guessing long after the last page is read.

70. The Scent of Shadows : The First Sign of the Zodiac by Vicki Pettersson - An interesting entry in the urban paranormal genre, I really enjoyed this book. I just hope the next in the series are as good. These are a little darker than I usually like, but Pettersson handles it well.

I have the second book in the series, but I'm going to take a break before continuing. So, next up is Dragon's Fire.

71. Dragon's Fire by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey - Revisiting Pern is like pulling on a comfortable old sweater - it just feels snuggly. I like that we're filling in the history of Pern and getting to see how and why things ended up as they did. An enjoyable read.

I'm sticking with fluff - thought I'd start Girl's Guide to Witchcraft today. The author is a former (current?) law librarian so I'll be interested to see how it influences her writing.

72. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky - not bad, not bad at all. A little smarter than some chick lit (maybe I'm just prejudiced because it's about a librarian??). I really like the way Jane's girlfriend just takes it for granted that, of course she's learning witchcraft. I have the sequel (Sorcery and the Single Girl) which I'll read in a bit. I'm back to Eve Dallas for now. And, maybe Life of Pi. And I've got The Girl who Heard Dragons in the bathroom.

73. Loyalty in Death by J. D. Robb - another from the . . . In Death series, and still wonderful. These characters don't stay static, they grow with experience and in interesting ways. LOVE the story arc with Peabody and McNab.

I've started Life of Pi. Only a few pages in so far, so I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. The premise is interesting, and I've heard good things about the book, so . . . we'll see.

I am such a geek. I got an iPod Nano for Christmas, and have been going thru iTunes checking things out. How does this relate to books? Well, I don't check out the music. I check out iTunesU. And, today I found podcasts about two of the books in my TBR mountain. Central Washington University has a two part video podcast (1.5 hour total time) with Timothy Egan discussing his book about the Dust Bowl The Worst Hard Time. Then, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has an audio podcast about The Bondwoman's Narrative with Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the guy who discovered the manuscript by Hannah Crafts. I have that book here at the office, so may ditch Life of Pi for now. I just have to decide whether to read the book first or listen to the podcast first.

Man - I feel like such a slug. I stopped reading Life of Pi and started on The Bondwoman's Narrative. I'm enjoying it, but it reads slowly. I haven't listened to the podcast about the book yet; I think I'm going to wait until I finish. Reading time has been cut down because I don't spend as much time commuting to work. So, I'm going to have to read more at home.

74. The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts - I guess I was further along than I thought. I enjoyed it, but would have edited/arranged it differently. Gates left Crafts' strikeouts, misspellings, and grammar errors in (for historical reasons). I understand his reasoning, and it was interesting to see some of the thought processes that went into the book, but it took a while to get used to. I'd read the strike outs in a sentence, then read the sentence as intended, then think about the differences that made in the meaning of the sentence - then I'd forget where I was and have to do it all over again. I would have preferred the novel to be presented first, in a polished form, with the historical notes and information about the edits following.

I did enjoy reading how the manuscript was discovered and the things Gates did to try and find the author. It's really a neat story - and a historically imporant work. The podcast of Gates that I found was more about identifying the author of this book. Gates is a captivating speaker; I'd have loved him for my history professor in college.

I'm ready for something lighter now though. I'm going to soak up a couple Eve Dallas stories before I tackle something else thought provoking. Life of Pi will just have to wait a while.

75. Witness in Death by J.D. Robb - another in the Eve Dallas series, and still going strong. I like that the characters don't stay static from story to story; there's acutally some growth and character development here! Great fun.

I've got two ARC's on my plate next. Snagged Holding Her Head High from Early Reviewers here on LT, and just got The Sister from B&N. That read and review starts the first of March, and I need to get the ER book done ASAP (or as soon as I receive it!) so I'm going to stick to some real fluff until then. I was going to read Standing in the Rainbow, but realized about 10 pages in that I've already read it! I don't feel like a reread now (there's too many other books on my TBR pile!) so, I'll have to see what jumps out at me from the stack here at work. Maybe Size 12 is not Fat.

76. Size 12 is not Fat by Meg Cabot - not bad, but definitely mind candy. Of course, so are the Eve Dallas stories, but where Eve Dallas is a mystery pretending to be chick lit, Heather Wells is chick lit pretending to be a mystery. I'm not sure whether I'll read the others in the series, but they wouldn't be offensive to me.

I need to start my review books, so I'll be reading The Sister next (at least chapters 1 - 5). I haven't received Holding her head High yet, but that will be next on the list.

77. The Girl who Heard Dragons by Anne McCaffrey - read these short stories in between sessions with my ER book and my B&N First Read. These were a little uneven. My favorite was the title story (of course!). A couple were downright forgettable and the two about the time shifts (can't remember titles and I don't have the book with me right now) were very unsettling.

I probably won't pick up anything else until I finish the two I'm reviewing. Need to be fair and give them all my attention.

78. The Sister by Poppy Adams - This one took a while because I was trying to read on the book discussion schedule. I'm not really sure what I think of this book. It's dark - almost Gothic in tone - and I didn't find the characters all that sympathetic. Even so, I was anxious to see just what was going to happen next. After I finished it, though, I wasn't sure I actually LIKED the book. Well-written, yes; with an interesting plot and lots of character development, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. This is the author's first book, and she impressed me enough that I will take a long look at anything else she may write.

I'm still reading Holding her head high (its format makes it better suited for reading one bio at a time) and have picked up The Stupidest Angel for van pool reading.

79. The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore - I still LOVE Moore, and this was a great, quick read. It was especially nice to read something light after the dark tone of my previous read.

80. Holding Her Head High by Janine Turner - I still have a couple bios to read (and I will eventually get to them) but I'm counting this one read. I need to get the review written for ER and am afraid if I wait until I've actually finished the book I'll forget to write it.

I'm not really sure what to think of this book. I do think that Turner should have chosen another title. Holding Her Head High implies to me that these women had reason to be ashamed of their single motherhood. Of the biographies I read, only one woman meets that criteria - and there were extenuating circumstances in her case as well (her abusive husband wouldn't grant her a divorce, so she left anyway and later lived with another man). That said, these women do have amazing stories to tell, and their lives can be used to encourage many women.

While the stories are interesting, the writing is rough. Turner learned the English grammar lesson that a series is "three or more things" well and EVERYTHING is "point A, point B, and point C". Many of her turns of phrase are awkward, and I found myself having to reread sentences to figure out exactly what she meant.

Still, Turner makes her point with these stories, and the book would make a good study for a women's Bible group.

Now, I'm on to fluff. I'm reading Night Life, a Nocturne City novel. It's fun so far.

81. Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge - A nice piece of fluff. I really like Luna Wilder and like that the weres in this story aren't like the weres in every other urban fantasy being written. Kittredge treats her characters as people who just happen to be weres or witches or whatever. It isn't the most important thing about them.

Next up is No Humans Involved.

82. No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong - I liked learning more about Jaime Vegas. And, I like Armstrong's writing. I'm looking forward to her next "Women of the Otherworld" (which is out shortly in HB, but I'll be waiting for the paper).

I was hoping my ER book Double or Nothing : How Two Friends . . . would be here by the time I finished this one. It's not, but I don't want to start anything heavy while I'm waiting. So, I'll probably go with Sorcery and the Single Girl.

ETA - I've changed my mind. I'm going to read Judgment in Death. (Actually, I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and Sorcery . . . won't fit in my bag. But, Eve Dallas is always a good choice!)

83. Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb - This was a good choice for the business trip. Like a visit with an old friend.

Next up is my ER book which arrived yesterday. I'm looking forward to this one.

84. Double or Nothing : How Two Friends . . . by Tom Breitling - My ER book for March. Very enjoyable. I'm a sucker for a good "rags to riches" story, and this is one of the better ones I've read. Tim Poster and Tom Breitling start a room reservation service in Vegas that becomes TravelScape, which is then sold to Expedia for $105 million. They then buy the Golden Nugget, turn it into the showplace of downtown Vegas, and sell it for $113 profit the next year. The book feels very much like having a friendly conversation with Breitling over a drink.

I've started Sorcery and the Single Girl, this time for real.

85. Sorcery and the Single Girl by Mindy Klasky - I didn't like this as well as Klasky's first effort. Jane just seemed too unaware, too gullible, too needy in this outing. Yeah, maybe she's still getting used to the fact that she is a witch and that not all witches are "good", but she still should have recognized Haylee's motives (for example) using "real world" smarts. Still, it wasn't bad enough to swear off Klasky. There's supposed to be a new book out in October. I'll have to make a note.

Reading another Eve Dallas episode now.

86. Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb - I don't want to sound like a broken record, but another good read. I really don't see how Robb (Roberts) can keep this up. By this late in a series, things frequently start to get formulaic and a little tired, but (so far) the . . . In Death books seem to avoid this. The characters grow and change as they would in real life, so there's not a cookie cutter feel to them.

I'm not sure what I'm going to read next. I may start Bled Dry. Or, I may take this time to join the Go Review that Book group and have someone recommend something for me.

87. Bled Dry by Erin McCarthy - This one was OK, but this series is getting a little "girly" for me. I don't know if any more are coming (there wasn't info on one in the back of the book) but I'll probably skip it if there is one.

I'm working on The Beautiful Cigar Girl for "Go Review that Book" (I couldn't decide what to read!!) and just got word that I'm getting the new Faye Kellerman for Early Reviewers. I may have to read a few of her earlier works again to get back in the "Peter and Rina" universe.

88. The Beautiful Cigar Girl by Daniel Stashower - read for the Go Review that Book group. This book is a fascinating look at Edgar Allen Poe, the New York City of the 1840's, and the still unsolved murder of the "beautiful cigar girl", Mary Rogers. Stashower has written a very readable book, similar in style to Erik Larson (Thunderstruck and The Devil in the White City). He uses the murder of Mary Rogers to explore New York and gives the reader a feel for the era while examining how murders were investigated in that time.

Poe was familiar with the case, and wrote one of his stories ("The Mystery of Marie Roget") in an attempt to solve the mystery. His character, C. Auguste Dupin from "The Murders in the Rue Morgue", examined a "coincidentally similar" case in Paris.

Stashower paints a fairly sympathetic portrait of Poe, and points out that Poe's Dupin was the inspiration for many later detectives - including Sherlock Holmes. In reading this book, I realized just how lacking my knowledge of Poe was. I need to read more Poe.

89. Three in Death by J.D. Robb - this is three short stories about Eve Dallas that were published in other collections. They were pulled into a single volume here. I was trying to read the stories where they fit in the series arc, but was at the doctor when I finished the second story and didn't have anything else with me. So, I finished the book - and enjoyed the stories.

I was "assigned" another book from GRTB - Zorro - so I'll be starting that. And, I'm still waiting for my ET book by Faye Kellerman. I also noticed that I abandoned 1862 and never got back to it, so I need to put it back on the TBR pile. Now - if I could just create more time in the day to read . . .

The end of my year, and I've read 89 books. Too bad I couldn't get just one more in there!! I'm going to start a new thread for my 2008 books here . I'm not setting a goal - my reading time has been cut down some since I don't have as long a commute - but I do want to keep track of what I read.

Way to go! Sounds like a good year to me.