Kirconnell's 75 for 2012

Well, it's been a long time since I wrote last. I'm sure some people think that I died and went somewhere, but, no, I'm still here and lurking for the most part. I blame my long silence on a couple of very bad years and 2012 hasn't been the best. I mean, I've even had a book-reading slump! I'm far below my yearly average and in hopes of jump starting my reading again I've started this thread. So, ready or not, here it is.

Books read to date (Touchstones have been omitted in this post to maintain my sanity):

1. A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow
2. A Dangerous Mourning by Anne Perry
3. Blood Root by Susan Wittig Albert
4. Defend and Betray by Anne Perry
5. The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry
6. The Last Oracle by James Rollins
7. Emma by Jane Austen
8. Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
9. Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon
10. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
11. Pirate King by Laurie R. King
12. Face Down Upon an Herbal by Kathy Lynn Emerson
13. Still Life with Murder by P. B. Ryan
14. The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
15. Mary Boleyn: The Mistress of Kings by Alison Weir
16. The Doomsday Key by James Rollins
17. Time to Share by Jo Ann Brown
18. Sister Teresa: The Woman Who Became Spain's Most Beloved Saint by Barbara Mujica
19. The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson
20. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
21. Conqueror: A Novel of Kublai Khan by Conn Iggulden
22. Prophecy by S. J. Parris
23. Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever by Martin Dugard
24. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
25. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
26. 10 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe
27. Site Unseen by Dana Cameron
28. Why Read Moby Dick? by Nathaniel Philbrick
29. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
30. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
31. Reign of Henry VIII by David Starkey
32. Cold My Heart by Sarah Woodbury
33. Bill Huggins: A Desperate Prequel by Nicholas Antinozzi
34. Discover Your Passion by Wolfgang Riebe
35. Sherlock Holmes Investigates the Pink Jewel Conundrum by Philip van Wulven
36. An Addendum to the Affair of the Dog that Did Not Bark by Philip van Wulven
37. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
38. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
39. Riptide by Michael Prescott
40. Dead Politician Society by Robin Spano
41. The Golden Mean: A Novel of Aristotle and Alexander the Great by Annabel Lyon
42. A Cup of Courage by Francis W. Porretto
43. The Skeleton Key by James Rollins
44. Last Writes by Laura Levine
45. Face Down Among the Winchester Geese by Kathy Lynn Emerson
46. Trail of Feathers: In Search of the Birdmen of Peru by Tahir Shah
47. Meet the Annas by Robert Dunn
48. Time Travel Adventures of the 1800 Club: Book 1 by Robert McAuley
49. Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen
50. Copycat Killing: A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly
51. In the Valley of the Kings: Howard Carter and the Mystery of King Tutankhamun's Tomb by Daniel Meyerson
52. A Killing Season by Priscilla Royal
53. The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone
54. Edge of Evil by J. A. Jance
55. Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine
56. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
57. Sacrilege by S. J. Parris
58. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
59. The Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
60. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien
61. Persuasion by Jane Austen
62. 12.21: A Novel by Dustin Thomason
63. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
64. Dark Shadows by lara Parker
65. Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf
66. Reader and Educator Guide to "The Hobbit' and "The Lord of the Rings' by Houghton Miffin Harcourt
67. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
68. Trucker Ghost Stories by Annie Wilder
69. Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses by Bruce Feiler
70. Exploring J. R. R, Tolkien's "The Hobbit" by Corey Olsen
71. The Killing Way by Tony Hays
72. Operation Mincemeat by Ben McIntyre
73. The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
74. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
75. Face Down Beneath the Eleanor Cross by Kathy Lynn Emerson

Ok. This just might work for me. I finished Edge of Evil by J. A. Jance tonight. She is a new author to me and although the book was alright, I'm not quite sure if I will read her again. She is wonderful with characters, but the plot developed very slowly for a suspense novel. Ms. Jance has a lot to say about social situations and politics, but she does it in an inoffensive way that melds with the story being told. I also found it interesting that she advanced the story using a blog written by the heroine. However, I still figured out who dun it before the answer was revealed.
One book closer to 75! Moving on to Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine.

Nice list! Even if you're not on a typical pace, you've done some good reading.

Thanks, Jim, but you're certainly no slouch! 75 books already. I'm impressed.

Some great reading there. Even if you are behind your typical pace, you should be able to hit 75 this year, but it doesn't matter whether you do or not! We hope you'll stick around.

I'm curious re. your impressions of the book written by Allison Weir regarding Mary Boleyn. I very much enjoy Allison Weir's writing.

6) Hi, Lori. I'm so glad you stopped by. Now folks won't think I'm a bit daft sitting here talking to myself. No, it's not my usual pace, and, yes, you're right, the journey is the important thing in reading not the final number and I'm having a great journey. I plan to stick around for a long time especially if this thread serves to keep me focused on my goal.

7) Hi, Linda. I agree with you. I love Allison Weir's writing and this book was not an exception. The problem may have been that this is the first time I've read an ARC of one of her books. A lot can happen between the time an ARC is published and the final product. The thing that annoyed me most (I'd give you examples, but I loaned the book to my sister and can't look back right now) was when she repeated info in a manner that I thought unneccessary. I'd just read this same stuff in a previous chapter and hadn't had time to forget it. By contrast, this didn't occur in her book on Mary's sister, The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn and made Anne's a stronger book in my opinion. Things like that usually get edited out in the finished product. For that reason, I have thought about buying the post publication copy for my library and passing the ARC on to another reader. If you would be interested in this book I'd be happy to forward it to you. Just post your mailing address on my profile.

I started Bridezilla last night and so far I have been favorably impressed. It's much funnier than Last Writes. I didn't get much reading time in though because being off work I spent the day doing housework, laundry, and grocery shopping and I was tuckered out by bedtime. Will make up for it tonight I hope even after more housework today.

Almost a third of the way through my book and still enjoying it. Who knew that weddings and high school chum reunions could be so funny. Just what I need to move my challenge along. Since I have to work today and in the spirit of my 2012 resolution to read more classics, I am taking my NookColor and reading Mansfield Park on my break tonight. Wish me luck.

I like Mansfield Park better than the other Jane Austen books that I have read before. Maybe because this one was written later and she had more time to work on her style.
LT is such a blessing because I can escape the stress of work and RL and enjoy the discussions on other threads as well as venting on my own.

I'm having trouble with the computer today so I will update later.
Currently reading Queen of the Conqueror: The Life of Matilda, Wife of William I by Tracy Borman a pesky library book that followed me home.

55. Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine. This is a light, funny mystery much in the spirit of Janet Evonavich without the love triangle. A struggling writer, Jaine Austen is asked to write the wedding vows for a former classmate, a job that turns out to be harder than it sounds because of the bride's demanding nature. Lots of laughs especially surrounding Jaine's cat Prozac, this book was better than her previous book. It's likely that I will keep reading from this series since I don't read much Evanovich anymore. Wow, only 20 more books to reach 75. Surely I can make that by the end of the year.

56. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. It seems rather fitting that my last book read for the month should be a classic. As you know, those who have been following my thread, I'm not a huge fan of Jane Austen. However, this book caught my interest. Oh, I still have issues with the style and dialogue, but she added enough of a plot to keep me reading to find out what happened. Seems as though she has learned a bit about keeping the reader's interest since the first two books she wrote.
Some of my friends are absolutely livid about Fanny being so submissive, but in my opinion given the historical times and the situation in which she found herself her behavior seems very believable. I on the other hand would probably have been scandalous.

Moving on, I'm still reading my library book about Matilda and I've started the first book of the Hunger Games Trilogy, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Seemed liked a good choice since the movie just came out. Which I enjoyed very much, by the way.

So, good reading to all until the next time.

It's funny that you like Mansfield Park better than Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Mansfield Park has always been one of my least favorite Austen novels (topped only in least-favoritude by Northanger Abbey). I'm a fan of the first two, though. :)

Thanks for dropping by, Rachel. I can't explain it, but Mansfield Park had characters that I could relate to and the characters in P&P and S&S just didn't move me. I am very character driven when it comes to novels.

Here's a slight detour. I had to return the library book (will get it again later), so I slipped into reading one of my Early Reviewer books, Sacrilege by S. J. Parris and I'm almost done. More on it later.

57. Sacrilege by S. J. Parris. I just finished this book and I enjoyed it for the most part. There are times when the author gets lost in her historical trivia and I yawn a couple of times, but for the most part I found it to be very gripping, a book that's hard to put down. If you enjoy character driven, complex mysteries with lots of historical detail you will probably like this series.
Now I need to rummage through my TBR stack for another book. Still reading Hunger Games.

It's possible that the characters from Mansfield Park were more developed because I think it was more of a story and less of a social satire than the other books. The social satire is part of why I like her two earliest books, but it DOES make for more silly characters.

I could be wrong, though...I've not read Mansfield Park for years, but I don't remember finding it at all funny.

Hi Rachel. I think that you are right! P&P and S&S do have more of a feel of social satire (much like Voltaire) which does make for some silly characters. I also didn't find anything funny in Mansfield Park. It felt like a drama or traditional novel.

58. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I finished this one today and I really enjoyed it. I saw the movie before I read the book so the second book should be more interesting since I won't know what happened. I'm glad to see some good fiction coming out for YA even though the idea of casting teenagers as gladiators for a big brother society put me off reading this book for a long time.
I'm making progress. Now, on to The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien and Persuasion by Jane Austen.

59. The Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Technically I probably shouldn't count this as a book, but my Nook classifies it as a book so I will too. This has been such a lousy reading month that I need some morale boosters.
I'm hoping that the cooler fall weather will encourage me to read more. I just can't seem to get interesed in anything.

60. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien. Finally, a book finished. I was beginning to think that I never would. This book is ok, but not great. Not a keeper. It's earmarked for donation to the library, but if anyone wants to read it leave your name and address on my profile site by October 31st and I will send it to you. Book goes to the first who asks.

I obtained The Lincoln Conspiracy via LT early reader. I'm sorry it is mediocre. I'll read it soon and review it. Thanks for your feedback.

I do hope that you enjoy it when you get a chance to read the book. Not everyone felt as I did. Some gave it 5 stars so it may be a matter of taste. I hope that you are feeling better.

I'm making more progress now and I hope that continues since I'm still 13 books shy of my goal.
61. Persuasion by Jane Austen. Well, it's definite, Jane Austen is not one of my favorite authors. Again, her style of writing just leaves me cold. I did like the ending of this one, but she so needs an editor.
62. 12.21: A Novel by Dustin Thomason. A very enjoyable book. It is easier to read than Rule of Four and in my opinion more of an original as well. A cross between medical suspense and a mystery thriller this book takes you on a rollercoaster ride that keeps you reading until the end. A bit contrived at times it still held my interest. I found the characters interesting and believable which is a definite plus for me.

Ok, I finished my first book for Ocober. It is one that I borrowed from my sister and fits in with my plans for a month of paranormal reads in October.
63. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith fit the bill nicely and was a very entertaining read. It started of with a bang, but unfortunately it slowed down about 3/4 of the way through almost to the point of becoming boring. A nice surprise ending though. Allover worth the read.
I have a whole month of spooky reads planned and I'm excited about it since I love theme readathons. Next up is Dark Shadows: the Salem Branch by Lara Parker. Let's have a show of hands of how many LTers watched the afternoon soap opera Dark Shadows. I know that I rushed home from school every weekday to see it. I loved Barnabus and the whole spookiness of the show.

*delurking*

My hand is up! Dark Shadows was a great show!

*back to lurking*

hi Ikernagh. Great to hear from you. Yes, I loved Dark Shadows too. Don't be afraid to delurk whenever you want. I'm harmless.

64. Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch by Lara Parker. A nostolgic visit to a favorite TV show. Ok, not quite what I expected. The familiar characters put in cameo appearances, but it was mostly about a woman named Mirands de Val. Out the door to the library after my sister finishes it.
65. Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf. Another paranormal read for this Halloween season. Entertaining and a fast moving read it really kept me interested this weekend. A different kind of vampire story, but not good enough to read twice. Another one for the library donation box.
So, I'm only 10 books away from my goal of 75. Yea, but it doesn't look as if I will read many more than that this year. Still it is the journey that matters not the end number and I'm having a great journey.

66. Reader and Educator Guide to "The Hobbit' and "The Lord of the Rings" by Houghton Miffin Harcourt. Another book bites the dust. I read this in preparation for The Hobbit movie coming out in December.

67. the Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. I read this around 20 years ago and was fascinated by it. It was less of a pleasure this time because I got a very poor translation. Out the door it goes.

68. Trucker Ghost Stories by Annie Wilder. Great for the season. Actual accounts of wierd happenings on the road by OTR drivers. I listened to this as an audiobook and it really made the commute easy to and from work.

69. Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler. Another audiobook that I borrowed from the library for my work commute. Wonderful! Feiler writes of his personal travels in the Holy Land to restore his sense of reality of the Bible. Honest and interesting I was enthralled with his story.
Only 6 more books to meet my goal. I think that I might make it.

Hi Kirconnell, some nice reading you have done so far :) and only 6 more books to go, before 75 and of course you can make it :).

Hi Drachenbraut23! Thanks for dropping in with that vote of confidence. Come by and visit anytime.

70. Exploring J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" by Corey Olsen. I really enjoyed this review of The Hobbit and I have a whole new perspective of the story now. This should really help me to enjoy the movie more.
5 books to go.

71. The Killing Way by Tony Hays. Yea, another book down. Ordered this one through ILL because my library didn't have it and I wanted to start at the beginning of the series. Ok. I wish that it had been better, but I believe it is his first book so no judgment.

72. Operation Mincemeat by Ben McIntyre. Another book toward my goal and a really interesting one too. The fascinating story of how the British hoodwinked the Nazis in WWII by dropping a corpse dressed as a Bristish military officer off the coast of Spain with papers indicating an attack on Sardinia. Once they were sure the Germans had taken the bait they attacked Sicily. The operation saved an untold number of lives. Recommended.

Hi Kirconnell,
only three more books to go *big smile*

Operation Mincemeat sounds like a very interesting read. Will definately go onto my wishlist.

Wish you a lovely Sunday!

Hi Drachenbraut23. Great to see you. Yes, I would definitely recommend Operation Mincemeat. Its's a piece of fascinating British espionage during WWII.
I'll breathe a sigh of relief when I hit 75. I've never read this few books in a year since I joined LT. So disappointing.

Hi, I saw that your name is Velma. Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! *Smile*

Hi Drachenbraut23! We had our Thanksgiving feast on Saturday because I was scheduled to work Wednesday and Thursday. I hope that you had a good holiday and thanks for the sweet wishes.

73. The Restorer by Amanda Stevens. Another book to add to my list. I really enjoyed this one. Just enough mystery, romance, and paranormal to keep me interested. Fortunately, there are two more and I have them both in my TBR stack. Yee ha!

74. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I'm almost there. I can taste the sweetness of success on my tongue. It will be so nice to begin the new year knowing that....Yes, I can do this!

Hi Velma, ONLY one more to go and than you have got your 75. My name is Bianca BTW *smile*.
Wish you a great weekend!

Hi Bianca. Thanks for the encouragement. I need someone to root for me and I'm glad it's you.

Hello Velma,

I wish you and your family a fantastic, marvelous, magical and just everything you want Christmas! I hope I will see you again in the 2013 Challenge *smile*

I love the picture! Thanks so much!

75. Face Down Beneath the Eleanor Cross by Kathy Lynn Emerson. Finally! On the last day of 2012 I finish my 75th book. I'm so embarassed that I barely made my goal when usually I read over 100 books in a year. I just couldn't seem to concentrate this year and wound up picking books up to read and then discarding them because I wasn't interested. I must admit to picking this book that was only a little over 200 pages long just because I thought that I could finish it by year's end. Sad. Hopefully 2013 will be a better reading year for me. Happy New Year to one and all. May all your dreams for the new year come true.

Congrats even if it was a bit of a down year for you!

Thanks Drneutron. I was a bit disappointed, but I'll do better in 2013.