Beeg's 75 book challenge 2016

Back again

Welcome back!

Nice to see you back, Brenda

Thanks you guys

Hi beeg! I hope you have a wonderful 2016.

Hi Brenda. I just got my thread started! Glad to see you here.

Thanks ladies, glad to be here.

Have a wonderful bookfilled 2016, Brenda.

hi Brenda, wishing you all the best for 2016!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for the nice graphics :)

The top ten favorites for 2015 in no special order

1 City of Stairs Robert Jackson Bennett
So good! I got this of Dr Neu's page after he praised it. At first it wasn't love, political fantasy is not my favorite but the writing caught me and story took off with me. It has some China Mieville and Brandon Sanderson flavor and i can't wait for the next one

2 The Virtu Sarah Monette
Totally enjoying this series and I can't say why. There is no plot, it just meanders and follows the conversations of three characters. The writing is great, I can't figure out how the magic factors in as there doesn't appear to be any, but who cares, it's a cool story.

3 Finders Keepers Stephen King
Wow, Uncle Stevie is doing sequels and sets us up for a third, I love this man. The hook for me came in the middle of the book, the story was just moving along at a nice pace then snap er clack and that was it i had to know now.

4 The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins
if you liked Gone Girl then this is another book for you. While I do enjoy a nice Cinderella story its good to see damaged flawed people, this book is full of losers and assholes - these are my people. Seriously, I couldn't put it down even when I got annoyed I still couldn't put it down, it was like watching a train wreck.

5 The Goblin Emperor Katherine Addison
This was so good, I'm glad I took a break and waited for it - just what I was in the mood for. I'm always down for a good Cinderella story but this was more court intrigue and forget about keeping track of who was who. I hope there is a follow up as there is more story to be told, at least in my brain.

6 The Nothing Girl Jodi Taylor
I really enjoy the way this lady writes, her St Mary's series are a hoot. This ride is a mystery that doesn't solve itself until the end, you feel like you move right a long with her as she figures things out and you can't wait to see what happens. Chick lit? Maybe, but I didn't care it was a fun read with laugh out loud dialogue between herself, her "imaginary friend" and others. I'm not sure how I felt about the "imaginary friend" but I wouldn't mind seeing a follow up to this book as it left me not ready to let go.

7 The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson
This is wonderful, the world building is incredible and totally believable even if snails factor in largely. I get a bit weary of the battles but with epic novels it's all about the traveling and the battles. I had to jump into the next one as I couldn't stand waiting to find out what was next. I hope the next book is finished soon.

8 Words of Radiance Brandon Sanderson
more wonderful world building, this book has it all, please don't make us wait too long.

9 The Colorado Kid Stephen King
For what ever reason I never got around to reading this, watching Haven put it back on my radar. I think because I thought when it came out it was a stab at noir detective style (which isn't my favorite) I forgot with Uncle Stevie it's all about the ride. I totally enjoyed this, I get it and I have no remorse about being left hanging. It is what is. (personally I think he was taken up and dropped off by aliens)

10 The secrets of blood and bone Rebecca Alexander
Early Reviewer win, I almost wished I had read the first book over again as the details were pretty fuzzy. I enjoyed this book, it seems we have not vampires and not wear-wolfs but maybe something else? I enjoyed the descriptions of the witches garden and hope there is more of that in the next book, yes there has to be a next book, for that matter the series could go on forever.

This year I'm adding a re-read a series challenge. I started last year with The Harry Potter series.

1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix J. K. Rowling

I remember this as being my least favorite book out the series, still holds.

Wow! My recommendation for your number one pick. I'm honored!

😊

2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince J. K. Rowling

I remember hearing about Walmart hanging a banner posting Snape killed Dumbeldoor dunno if it was true or not.

Not whipping out the books so much this year, I'm caught up in re-watching Downton Abby and it has cut into all my reading time.

3 The Bad Beginning Lemony Snicket

Loved the movie, and I'm pleased to say it follows the book almost word for word. Not sure if I'll get around to any more of these.

I don't know what my excuse is for not reading. I have plenty of books and I also have the DVD's of Downton Abby but I'm not watching them either.

*shakes fist at internet and Facebook*

poor Carrie, i feel ya

4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows J.K.Rowling

and that wraps up the series, now i think the marketing was better than the books. finished up the movies as well

5 The Little Stranger Sarah Waters

I hate the title, it's just stupid, loved the book! Slow paced but not boggy, again after watching the Downton Abby series I could see and hear this book so well. The ending was ok, but maybe it was for the best - sometimes endings can ruin a book just as well.

A nice grown up story after all those wizards.

6 The Small Hand Susan Hill

I didn't love this, found it pretty dry, at least it was short.

7 Still Mostly True: Collected Stories & Drawings Brain Andreas

quirky silly stuff

I read this last year but forgot to add it, still counting it.

8 City of Blades (The Divine Cities) Robert Jackson Bennett

I loved the first book, but just liked the second one. I'm not sure why it didn't sit as well, sometimes it's my attention span. I will read the next one, guessing there will be a next one.

>24 beeg: Disappointing to hear--I hope to get to it before the end of the month.

Hi Roni, could be just me - I find me and my attention span aren't on the same page.

9 The Reapers John Connelly

This was like reading Ocean 11 only with real life bad guys only fictional. Sorta.

I really liked this book, I love the characters the best, right up there with the prose.

10 The Bands of Mourning: A Mistborn Novel Brandon Sanderson

Love this series, the characters keep getting better. The story is progressing at a good pace, he's probably thinking Wheel of Time epic proportions.

11Mistborn: Secret History Brandon Sanderson

if you read the Mistborn series, you probably thought some stuff was missing, and so did the author. This is some back history from another point of view, this is full of spoilers and not to be read until after The Bands of Mourning

I can see a re-read in my future.

Hi beeg - I read the Lemony Snicket series to daughter at one point - have them all on my shelves, but I remember us not finishing the last one. We just lost interest. Harry Potter we both re-read periodically and I listen to them about once every year and half or so.

Hope you're doing well.

Hi Karen! doing great :)

12 The Devil You Know Mike Carey

Loved this book, dunno who's thread I got it off of, but thank you. It's got some schmaltzy bits but also some brilliant prose. I ordered the next book hoping it doesn't get too silly.

13 Head full of Ghosts Paul Tremblay

Love this too, couldn't put it down. i would get put off by the disjointed parts but then got sucked back in. still scratching my head over the ending - was she?

2 more for the Need to Read pile. LOL

>33 beeg: Brenda - I bought that one for my daughter Belle last week as she loves the genre. Can't make myself enjoy being scared sh%&tless!

She agrees with you by the way that it is unputdown-able.

Hi Paul, I love horror - since I was a child. My mother would come in and catch me watching horror movies on Saturday and make me turn it off. Of course as soon as she left the living room I turned it right back on. Ask your daughter for me if she thought she was or wasn't :)

14 American Elsewhere Robert Jackson Bennett

This was pretty good, some bits I didn't love most of it I enjoyed.

15 Vicious Circle Mike Carey

Second book in the series, it's like a manly version of two other series I read - which I'm about over with LOL. It did get a little silly - can I call them or what?

16 Nighmare house Douglas Clegg

I didn't care for this

17 The Night Watch Sarah Waters

Not my favorite by her

18 The Lovers John Connolly

wrong touchstone, loved this book, the series can do no wrong - so far.

I enjoyed that one too. John Connolly is great.

19 The Passage Justin Cronin

A re-read getting ready for the third book. I didn't find it as wonderful as the first time.

20 The Night Sister Jennifer McMahon

wrong touchstone.

This was not for me, I know tons of people that would love it, but too lifetime movie for me.

>43 beeg: I loved The Passage but didn't finish The Twelve.

21 Night Film Marisha Pessi

Loved this, totally enjoyed the hell out of it. Yes it has faults, yes it's a bit over long (under 600 pages) and full of unnecessary details - but I like that. The ending a bit dicy and ambiguous but I like that too. I read in one day, because I simply had to know. I have her fist book and will read it soon.

Wow thats a great recommendation. I never heard of her.

>46 beeg: I thought the author's name was familiar. I loved Special Topics in Calamity Physics and even after I loaned my copy out and never got it back, acquired another copy to have on my shelves. Night Film goes onto the wishlist.

hi ladies, just finished a book that felt like it took forever to get through

22 Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel Susanna Clarke

This is how I imagine reading War and Peace would feel like. It's hellishly long and the pay off isn't worth it. Not that it's a bad book, if you like slow ploddy drudgery types.

>50 beeg: Well, it's on my shelves, and they've made a series on it so was going to try to re-start it (I think I put it down after about 100 pages or so the first time). Hmmm.....

I think I'll continue with Outlander!

Karen, it was my second attempt, I bailed the first time. Still I would hear fabulous things about it, I'm glad I read it, like a bucket list kinda thing?

I understand. I still want to read it and hope that the next time I pick it up it will work for me.

I always wanted to read it but it seems like people either love it or hate it.

Hi Carrie, you would probably like it once you get into it, that's the hardest part.

23 A Book of Tongues: Volume One of the Hexslinger Series Gemma Files

if you like gay soft porn and cowboys this was ok, probably won't bother with the rest of the series.

24 The Twelve Justin Cronin

I almost like this better than the first book, looking forward to the final book and a lot of shorter books.

25 The Drafter (The Peri Reed Chronicles) Kim Harrison

fast read, not bad, not great, premise a little iffy. too much running back and forth, lots of cliche and and designers I think wouldn't be relevant for this time period. I'm not sure why she put so much emphasis on designer clothes unless it's from herself and monies she makes from books now.

oh and still cocks a hip.

26 Experimental Film Gemma Files

So good! Talk about some seriously deep insight, I would catch myself reading bits over and over again thinking "whoa". In the top ten this year for sure.

27 Saint Odd Dean Koontz

Dunno why touchstones won't work when I key from my IPad? Anyways I kinda figured he was heading to some other type of sequel before I finished the book. I wonder if he'll continue in the afterlife?

I found that on my Nook that I have to post the message and then edit it. Then the touchstones appeared. Weird

>60 beeg: Hi beeg! There are 5 more books, 3 novellas, and a prequel. I loved all the books, haven't read the novellas or the prequel yet.

hey karen, yeah, i posted the wrong title I'm all caught up with the Odd series.

28 The Keeper of Lost Causes Jussi Adler-Olsen

This was pretty good, I did figure out what was going on mid way but over all a fun read.

29 The Whisperers John Connolly

Excellent writing, it's not my favorite because of the last minute bad guy and rushed ending. I will re-read the next one as I read it out of order a couple of years ago and don't remember it.

I enjoy Connolly so much. His bad guys are so bad and, come to think of it, so are is good guys but I love them anyway.

I know, is it wrong to love the bad guys?

>67 beeg: There would be a lot of us ill at ease with ourselves otherwise!

Have a great weekend.

Thanks Paul, it was nice - lots of yard and pool work.

30 The Shining Girls Lauren Beukes

Jack the Ripper finds a door from Monsters Inc. sorta. I did like this, once I stopped trying to keep the time frames straight. The ending was a little weak, ok the plot was full of holes, but I still enjoyed it.

31 The City of Mirrors Justin Cronin

The last book in The Passage more like a rite of passage to finish it. This book was way too long, seriously more than I ever wanted to know in backstory. Not sure about the ending either, reading on the kindle makes some time periods murky. But looks like civilization picked right up where it left off a thousand years later. Oh, and who was the "presence"? Why the dreams? Why the visions? Why the happy ever after shit? Yeah, not buying into it, felt like he had a couple of other books tossed in there.

32 The Devil in Silver Victory LaValle

This was pretty intertaining, not horror at all but a scary look into mental insitutes and low budgets. Witty with some interesting reflections.

33 Silence for the dead Simone St. James

Nice gothic ghost story, kinda like Mary Stewart. I seem to be having a run on asylums.

Hmm. I just read that one too. And for some reason I have a run on asylums going too. Weird, huh.

LOL well, I did pull them off your thread ;)

34 Lies, Damned Lies, and History (The Chronicles of St. Mary's Series) Jodi Taylor

I had some serious laugh out loud moments, this is probably my favorite or close to it book so far.

Trying to hold off reading another book, while waiting for Uncle Stevie. Not to mention Joe Hill's next book, both are honkers and I need to get my numbers up.

>75 beeg: Ooooooh, so I'm being book stalked. :)

More like book stacked, geeze I need more shelves.

Hi beeg! I've got Uncle Stevie's new book, End of Watch, sitting here on my desk. I used some money from my Mom at Christmas and pre-ordered it and hey presto! it showed up on the 7th. I don't dare put down the Outlander series now, though, as I am about 1/4th of the way into book 7 of 8.

Wow you are on a good run!

I have been! Reading the second book in the wayward pines series and Uncle Stevie's book is up next! Who needs to do housework! Or Laundry! Ok I do and I'm making a pan of cheese enchiladas but I will take more reading breaks than work breaks for sure.

35 wayward Blake Crouch

Second book from the wayward pines series and it's soooo good, I'm having a hard time picking up the new King book because I really wanna finished the last book.

36 End Of Watch Stephen King

Loved the book even if some of it was kinda hokey and the ending was less than original and anti-climatic. The very very ending did make me teary so I was invested.

37 Every Heart a Doorway Seanan McGuire

I like the story better after reading there will be more to follow. Nice premise geared more for YA

38 Disappearance at Devil's Rock Paul Tremblay

Wow, this was so hard to put down, talk about getting caught up and wanting to know now.

Huge complaint that has nothing to do with the book is reading it on a kindle. There are pages torn from a diary that are important to the story, but you can't read them on the kindle, there is no way to make it big enough (if there is I hope someone tells me how) I had to switch back and forth to my IPad to see them. Lucky for me I have a IPad.

39 The Last Town Blake Crouch

Last installment of the Wayward pines series or is it? Left with a opening for more, I hope so totally enjoyed the series.

40 Burning Soul John Connolly

I already read this out of order and it didn't hurt my feelings to read it again (forgot most of it) still liked it just as much as the first time.

40, yay me, I'm right on Sked

Way to go! First for another excellent Connolly and second for being on schedule!!!

Thanks Carrie, I just finished a book that brought you to mind, I thought you might like it. Gonna post it next.

41 The Paper Magician Charles N. Holmberg

I liked this, read super fast as it's YA, but kept me interested enough to start the next one.

That one looks so good! I will look for it very soon.

>90 beeg: I also enjoyed that one. I'll be interested in your opinion on the second book as the reviews are much less positive regarding where the story goes there.

Hi Roni, fancy seeing you here, I just caught up with your last thread (and of course got hit by a book bullet, it was the cosmic sex that hooked me) ;)

42 The Glass Magician Charles N. Holmberg

Starting to have too much dumb bitch, with a large load of guilt, I can only take so much of 'it's all my fault, no it's my fault, no I have to fix it" still a fast read but I'll prolly skip the next book.

43 Run BLake Crouch

I enjoyed the Wayward pines series, I thought they were well written, enough to try more of his stuff, I think I'll give the rest of his books a rest. I get tired of the killing and running, and the killing and the running...

44 My Cousin Rachel Daphne Du Maurier

Big disappointment, seems like a book for a nice quiet elderly lady.

At least it was short

>94 beeg: That's what I had heard about the book, which is why I didn't continue the series. Sorry you had to confirm it.

94-oh darn, I found a deal on all 3 and bought them.

Carrie, for what it's worth, I didn't hate the books, just not what I want to spend my reading time on.

Hi beeg! How are the cucumbers coming along? I totally spazzed about our cucumber competition, but I am getting lots of them, enough so that I'm making pickles. These are my great-grandmother's 8-day sweet pickles:

Nice! It's so hot here, I've abandoned all interest in even checking on things, the garden has gone wild and a band of warrior bunnies have taken control. Next year maybe you can share your pickle recipes, I think I might to try canning if I can get an earlier start. I would post a picture but I cant figure out how :)

Hi beeg! I just learned how to post pictures. This is how I do it.
1. I take a pic with my cell phone.
2. I send that pic to my e-mail.
3. I save the pic in a folder somewhere.
4. On LT, I add the picture to my junk drawer.
5. While in the junk drawer, I right click on the pic then left click on "Properties".
6. I copy the Address/URL for the pic.
7. In a message somewhere, you can use the following syntax to show the pic:
*img src="copied Address/URL"**
where * is really the shift comma character LESS THAN and ** is the shift period character GREATER THAN

If the picture is extremely large after you've saved the message, you can edit the message and add
"width=xxx" before the GREATER THAN symbol where xxx could be 200 or 300. You might have to experiment.

Hope this works for you. Like I said, I just learned how to do it recently, and now I'm a danger to all with my pictures.

LOL I give up

Hi Brenda, so nice to see posts by you. I hope you are well.

Hi Linda, haven't seen your name in a while, hope things are well at your end.

44 Heirs of Grace Tim Pratt

This was pretty good, some annoying bits and a poor ending but over all, worth the read.

45 The Birds Daphne Du Maurier

Big fan of the movie, nothing like the book at all LOL

46 Julian Fellowes's Belgravia Episode 1: Dancing into Battle Julian Fellowes

Eh, not worth the extra $ to read the series

47 A Bachelor Establishment Isabella Barclay

So good! I was in the mood for something like this, and wish I could find another. Hope she writes soon. This is Jodi Taylor (The Nothing Girl, and St Mary's)

I will need to find A Bachelor Establishment!

Carrie, it's funny when I read something and think "so and so will like this" Your name comes up a lot :)

I've been reading so much horror, I needed a break. Gothic, Victorian, anything that wasn't heavy on romance (my least favorite genre) This book was perfect, just wish there were more details, I'm a detail girl. Reading Thornyhold now, as I'm still in that mindset.

48 Thornyhold Mary Stewart

A re-read several times over; I love this book, well mostly I love the parts about the house and the garden. I'm always a sucker for this sort of stuff, too bad I can't seem to find more like it.

111> Thanks! I know when I'm looking at other threads to break a rut, yours is the first I look at. I'm so glad that we enjoy a lot of the same styles.

According to my LT account I must have read Thornyhold before (2005) but I don't remember it. :( Apparently I own the book. I will have to find it.

>112 beeg: I've read quite a bit of Mary Stewart, but have never even heard of this one! I'll have to look for it.

49 Printer's Devil Court Susan Hill

Meh

Hi, Mary. I've got cucumbers setting on like crazy now that I have my new beds in front of the house, but none are mature yet. I'm waiting!

2 of my favorite things.....Susan Hill and cucumbers!

LOL sorry I didn't give a positive review :)

50 Lady of Quality Georgette Heyer

Boy howdy, the slang in this book is enough to give modern day English a run for it's money. I still like these books, even if I almost bailed on it. I did bail on a Barbra Cartland, just can't drum up the same interest for them as I had in my teens.

I remember reading Victoria Holt books in my teens and I thought they were wonderful. So Romantic, so mysterious. LOL I probably couldn't stomach them today.

Hey Carrie, yeah, it's tough as we are more *cough* mature now. But a lot of them still
hold up and make for simple quick reads.

>120 beeg: Oh, beeg! My high school BF Lori and I used to read Barbara Cartland. We always found and were in hysterics over the "he drew her soul from between her lips" that always showed up in every book, even if in a slightly different form each time. Georgette Heyer has stood the test of time with me, and Lady of Quality is always good for a re-read.

Ya gonna make pickles with your cucumber crop?

>123 karenmarie: "he drew her soul from between her lips" Wasn't that book The Exorcist?

A non-reader of Barbara Cartland but I do have some Georgette Heyer books on the shelves somewhere.

Paul,

I would skip the Cartland and check out the Heyer

Paul,

I agree with beeg. Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite authors ever. I have 53 different books written by her.

Karen,

no I didn't make pickles, next year when I'm more organized for sure.

51 The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield

A re-read, but I had forgotten most of it and it wasn't the book I was looking for. Still hard to put down and a very satisfying read. There were a few things that bugged me, like all the sister hauntings but other than that pretty good.

52 The Convenient Marriage Georgette Heyer

Ok this was total slapstick and laugh out loud, which was fine once I figured out it was supposed to be funny and not dry. Prolly my favorite Heyer book so far.

>129 beeg: One of my favorite Heyer books.

OMG dressing up as highway men and worried about their looks! Good stuff.

The Masqueraders, The Talisman Ring, and The Toll Booth are all quite good, too, for adventure as opposed to The Season and just romance.

Thanks Karen, I will check them out. I'm still in the mood for light and fluffy - seems to help with the mood. Right now I'm mainlining The Paradise on Netfix, it's quite addicting.

You're welcome, beeg! Those were just the first three that I thought of.

I'm 'mainlining' The Good Wife in the evenings with my husband, usually 3 episodes, sometimes 4; I just got a TV put upstairs in my retreat and after we quit The Good Wife for the evening I either watch Carmilla (weird web stuff mentioned by my adorably weird daughter) or a re-watch of Veronica Mars.

Light and fluffy works.

I finished up The Paradise, costumes on the men were gorgeous, I love period pieces. I watched Houdini and didn't love the movie so much, actors were annoying.

It's super muggy and the heat is oppressive, the pool is too hot to get in - I'm still not ready to start another book.

53 Dark Matter Blake Crouch

Early Reviewer win, and after reading Pines and a couple other books by Crouch I was excited to get this. I spent the day reading - not because I couldn't put it down but because it was easy to pick back up. The concept was cool, the premise good, nice steady pace, but I didn't love what happened after the stage was set. Without giving anything away, all the extras just made for more clutter.

54 The Fireman Joe Hill

I liked it, I hated the Mary Poppins refs - each time, and had Chim Chim Chimney like a bad ear worm in my brain. I thought Jakob sounded a bit like Jack Torrence but over all it was a long ass read. I wanted to spring for the kindle version as well as my tennis elbow kept flaring up while holding the fat sucker. And Martha Quinn? Really??

Hi beeg! I agreed that it was a long-ass read. It could have been much shorter and been more powerful. Did you make sure to read the Coda? It's buried in the Credits.

Hi Karen! Yes, I sure did. Not sure why but I did read the credits - good thing, I do think it helped the story.

Not sure why I read them either. I very rarely do. I wonder if he buried it on purpose in there just to see if people were paying attention?

55 The Swans of Fifth Avenue: A Novel Melanie Benjamin

I enjoyed the story, hated the writing. I'm fascinated by the rich and famous, the fashion, the traveling, etiquette, I think as a casual society we've missed the boat. These were the ladies that shaped my mothers idea of what a woman was supposed to be, from that aspect it was pretty cool. Truman was a dick, most men were dicks LOL but the women were barracudas. Of course I spent most of the morning looking up these women just to see what they looked like.

56 La Cote Basque 1965 Truman Capote

So of course I had to read the story that cause all the uproar. I have to say not impressed. I was ready to read something by him, but I'm over it.

I read In Cold Blood a gazillion years ago and remember loving it, but have never read anything else by him. Strange.

Hi Karen, I'll add In Cold Blood to the list to read someday it was that or Breakfast at Tiffany's I know you just finished To Kill a Mockingbird interesting they were childhood friends and he was jealous of her fame.

57 The Wrath of Angels John Connolly

So good! I love this series, more on the occulty side this time. I think I'm going on to the next one as I'm not ready to leave yet.

Hi beeg! Yes, I loved TKAM. Still savoring it - I'm reading the newest Louise Penny, A Great Reckoning, an ARC given to me by a friend who works at an indie bookstore. Next up will probably be Go Set a Watchman.

I've never read John Connolly. Perhaps I need to find the first one and go from there?

Ooh, lucky you! You must read a Charlie Parker story! Start with the first one and not out of order like I did :)

58 The Wolf in Winter John Connolly

Again sooo good, I was able to put this down and be responsible - go me. I'm going to take a break for the next book as I need to ration then out now.

59 The Raven Boys Maggie Stiefvater

Ok first off I started this right after finishing with John Connolly - it was like going from a Mercedes to a Kia. I put it down and later tried again, I was hooked. Got this off of Faith's thread, she's always good for fantasy. It is another YA series that I will continue with.

60 The Dream Thieves Maggie Stiefvater

Yep, it's getting better and better. Moving on the to third book, just not ready to leave yet.

61 Blue Lily, Lily Blue Maggie Stiefvater

Totally addicted, moving on to the next installment.

62 The Raven King Maggie Stiefvater

This was good, I had some issues with the constant use of "smudgy" and "dusty" can't she find more words? How about smeared and dirt? The books grew more complex towards the end and I think she's a big fan of Charles De Lint as I saw a lot of his urban fantasy style - prolly why I liked them so much.

63 Demonsong Paul F. Wilson

A prequel to The Keep

64 Buddhist Boot Camp Timber Hawkeye

I loved this, I would read a couple of chapters in the morning before I start the day, I found myself hi-lighting different passages and quotes, I should paper my house with them.

>154 beeg: Sounds like a very good way to start off your day! Sigh. Onto my wishlist it goes.

Hi Karen! I make a huge mug (bowl size) of tea every morning and sit in the window-seat in the dinning room. Sometimes I read, sometimes I just sit and zone out. Whenever something from the book would strike me I would sit back, sip tea and mull it over.

65 The Dead Path Stephen M. Irwin

I had a little trouble in the beginning but once I got use to his rhythm of writing I was swept along. Mostly I enjoyed it, a nice creepy story that had tons of potential but he couldn't keep it up. Even the writing started to loose its style as the story got...less. I hated the ending, it was trite and knocked the book down another level. Interestingly I just read about the Green Man in a church a few books up by John Connolly

66 The Martian Andy Weir

This is one of the best books I've read this year - so good! So full of snarky goodness, I have a huge crush on this guy.

Hi beeg! I read The Martian just before the movie came out and saw the movie about 2 days after I finished the book. Both were very good. I loved the way our hero kept cussing when they'd broadcast him.... and as you say, lots of snarky goodness.

Hi Karen, I just watched the movie again, this time in 3D. I started the new Three Pines book, but just wasn't ready to let go of the Martian yet.

67 A Great Reckoning Louise Peny

I enjoyed this, but I realize I like her more about three pines and less about the chief inspector. This had a couple of red herrings that got tied up at the very end, and I'm still not sure about the puppy? It also seems more convoluted like she's forcing things together. Dunno, not my favorite - but still a good read.

I'd tend to agree with you, beeg. The puppy never got resolved and I really thought that Gamache made a serious mistake in leaving the murdered man (I forget his name!) in place at the Academy. He knew how bad he was yet left him in place to influence cadets? Really? And now we know why Three Pines isn't on official maps and it's kinda made it lose its magic/mystique. It's all rather getting a bit tedious.

Everytime I read a book of Penny's I like something different. Sometimes it's Jean guy, sometimes it's the village, sometimes it's Gamache.

Hi Brenda

Congratulations on reading 67 books thus far. I hope all is well with you. All good wishes sent your way!

Carrie, I know just what you mean and it's been the same for me until the last few books. I want more village :)

Linda, how lovely to see your name :) Things are soggy here in the south of Louisiana but very green :)

68 The Outlander Gil Adamson

Wrong touchstone because of course there can be only one Outlander. I enjoyed this book, a departure from what I usually read and a nice break from it. Pulled off of Dr's Nues thread but forgot what he said about it. The style is stilted when it comes to people but lavish about the landscapes. The back story shows up in bits and pieces but never fleshes anyone out. A story of survival in the wilderness, ok, but seriously I would be toast in less than a day.

69 The Woman in Cabin 10 Ruth Ware

I didn't care for this at all, too convoluted, poor writing and just kind of annoying.

70 Rage Richard Bachman

Re-reading the Bachman books, they never lhad the same impact and I've totally forgotten them. I'm doing well on my numbers this year so I'm going to re-read the Outlander books.

Hi beeg! Oooh, Outlander! I re-read the first four then read the last four from April - June and loved them. Excellent idea.

Of course, my reading them earlier this year has screwed my numbers up, but oh well. :)

I love Outlander!! The series, the man, all of it. I finally got them all read and I am missing me some Jamie.

Hi ladies! Yes, I'm trudging through Phantom of the Opera (I keep hearing Webbers song each time I think the title) and it's a bit of a chore. I finally watched the last episode of Outlander and it's put me in the mood.

I saw the Phantom of the Opera and loved it, but have never been interested in reading the book. the music is stunning.

Karen, I saw the silent film when I was really young, just the part when she pulls the mask off and it's haunted me since. I was obsessed again after seeing the movie from the Musical and still could kick myself for not going while in Vegas.

I don't recommend the book...

I have the book but the only time I opened it was when I opened the package it was in for Christmas - my friend Jacque gave me the book with two tickets (for her and me) to see the stage production with Robert Guillaume in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. We had front row center mezzanine seats, the best in the house for Phantom.....

I would love to see Phantom.

71 Phantom of the Opera Gaston Leroux

This was a toughie to get through, mostly because of the melodrama but that was the style. I also found it takes a small village to run a Opera house and many levels for storage and staging. That part was pretty cool. The story did pick up towards the middle but the ending was less than wonderful. I watch the movie (from the musical) afterwards and found bits I didn't know about, but the music - sigh. I also ordered the Lon Chaney movie from 1925, I'm not sure if I've ever seen it through? Still a story that fascinates me.

Spent most of Sunday and part of Monday on the Treasure hunt - I got them all! (By the hardest, it was hard)

72 Outlander Diana Gabaldon

I think this is the fourth time I've read this, I would re-read it each time the next book would come out stoping after #4. I still get a Rosemary Roger's vibe off of it, and get tired of Randall always showing up - how big is Scotland? Over all still a good read and worth the do over.

I love that series. The last couple are really good.

Hi Carrie, I've started Dragonfly in Amber and really wish I would spend the $ and get it in kindle, it's sooooo big!

My mom bought all of them on Kindle and then she bought me a Kindle that is registered under her account so I can read all of her books. She is awesome!

Go Mom! I just gave my daughter my first kindle loaded with books. We were suppose to swap, I'm still waiting on hers.

LOL You may have to call her and mention that you need some new reading material. (As if that is possible)

We share a lot of the same reading taste, I'm curious to see what she has.

I'm about a inch into Drangonfly in amber, it's going rather slow.

Those books are so good but so big!

>185 beeg: Hi beeg! Inches is a good way to measure the Outlander series..... :)

Kindle Swap is a clever idea, both on the giving AND receiving ends. I may have unintentionally poisoned daughter's mind against Kindle by example - I only read about 5% of my books on my Kindle. Sigh.

Hi Karen! I'm an inch away from finishing Dragon fly in Amber. I too was resistant to getting a kindle I collect books but hate wearing glasses to read (which I seem to need at different parts of the day and evenings)

73 Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon

This is how I imagine reading War and Peace would feel like. I will probably move on to the next one but I want to read more horror for October.

I enjoy her books but they do wax and wane. The later books are really good.

A

What good horror do you have lined up?

OOh, I just got the new Mira Grant book Feedback I love her I'm already hooked!

74 Feedback Mira Grant pretty much the same as feed only different names and faces. Still enjoyable, left semi-open ended for another book.

75 Wolfs Hour Robert McGammon

A re-read since he's released a sequel, now I'm not as wild for it. I think I've matured a bit in my reading taste *snort*

So it took me forever to read this because i have a new Puppy! Makes the big 75 less of a Ta-Da

Congrats on reaching 75 and very curious about new puppy... pictures please!

Hi Anita! Thank you, and if can figure out how to upload a puppy pic I will.

Congrats on 75!

Thanks Drneu!

>193 beeg: Puppies would slow me down too, Brenda.

Well done on your 75 and have a wonderful weekend. xx

Thank you Paul, I see a lot of mopping :)

>199 beeg: Good luck with that! I can remember trying to toilet train the spaniel we had as kids which seemed to take an age and always gave us a job before school.

Congratulations on hitting the 75 book mark!

Thank you Roni, I've been finding so many books on your thread for the TBR pile.

75! Woohoo

>195 beeg: You can upload photos at your profile page, upper right click on "my gallery" and follow the instructions.
After that you can make a link to the image on your thread.

76 The Golem and the Jinni Helene Wecker

So pleased I got this in hardback the book is beautiful! The story rocks as well, a slow burn but worth every page. Pulled this off of Karens thread as a book she wouldn't normally read - good thing she did :) and there is to be another.

Hi beeg!

I was out of town on a family situation and just got back home.

I'm just going to draw a line in the sand and continue on from here - I hope you're doing well and I'm looking forward to checking in more regularly!

77 The Long Walk Stephen King

Just in time for Halloween a re-read I barely remember. This is a terrible story, the worst kind of horror imaginable. I don't love the ending, but that adds to the horror.

78 The Exorcist William Peter Blatty

I first read this when I was quite young, I'm pretty sure my mother had no idea what I was reading. When the movie came out I was terrified. I've read it a few times since. I started watching the TV series which put me in the mood to read it again.

Hi beeg!

Terrified is a good word.

I was in college when I went to see The Exorcist with my friend Lori. When she took me back to my apartment, I was so terrified that I turned on all the lights, got out my Bible (I'm not even Christian), and couldn't sleep a wink.

I have read the book too, but can't remember if I read it before or after seeing the movie.

>208 beeg: The Omen films scared me more than The Exorcist somehow Brenda. I couldn't sleep for a couple of days after Gregory Peck failed to finish Damien off in the church.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Day To You Brenda!

Here is a photo I took when I visited my local library last week. Fall, in all its splendor has arrived in NE Pennsylvania.

Feels like I've been MIA, love the fall colors Linda. In south Louisiana we have green and brown.

79 Voyager Diana Gabaldon

I don't remember much about this book which is nice and I enjoyed it more than the last one. I think I'll move on to the next one, but really miss the kindle.

When I reread the outlander series I found that I enjoyed the last 2 books more than the middle books. keep plugging along.

Hi beeg!

>214 cal8769: I bogged down a bit about book 6 or so. She introduced a new character (no spoilers!) and it took me a while to integrate that person into my Outlander World View. But it worked and I was happy through the 8th book. You do know there is a 9th book with a title now, right? Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone, possibly out in 2017 based on previous releases but probably 2018 or 2019.

>215 karenmarie: Karen, I knew there was a new one but I didn't know the name. I can't wait. I really enjoyed book 8.

Good morning ladies, I must have not read the fourth one, it's all new. And it's big and heavy.

Thank you!

80 Drums of Autum Diana Gabaldon

Holy mother of cats this was long, I think I developed tennis elbow while holding the book up. I'm not sure why it had to be so freaking long? I think I'll take a station break before moving on to the next one.

I enjoy her books but when I reread them I kept finding parts that didn't need to be included but she has a way of tying loose ends together. I reread them on Kindle. I don't like holding the big heavy books anymore.

Hi Carrie, I like her writing too, she's giving more humor as the books move along.

Hi beeg. Tennis elbow. Ha. I had that for real several years ago and it put a serious crimp into my reading for a while. But all her books in the Outlander series are chunksters. I have the first four in paperback and the last 4 in hardcover. I'm sure I'll get #9 in hardcover too, whenever it comes out.

>221 cal8769: I think of Gabaldon as I do Rowling - they have a vast, detailed, complicated universe in their minds and are happy to share it with us. Pretty much everything is significant either for the immediate story or to bring back up later on. I love it.

>221 cal8769: I agree. It's a great feeling when I read something and the light goes on and I remember something from the past. It's not so great when it doesn't register and I have to go looking for mention of it. lol

81 The Operator (The Peri Reed Chronicles) Kim Harrison

yeah, not loving this series.

82 Dorothy must die Danielle Paige

this was ok, not sure if I'll follow the series

boo to ok books. We want fabulous!

indeed!!

83 The Obsidian Chamber (Agent Pendergast series) Preston and Child

Looks like I skipped one, but this was cheap and it doesn't hurt my feelings I missed #15 I'm sorry to say this series has become rather ho hum. I really enjoyed it from the start now it's gotten stale and cliche.

84 Red Hope. john Dreese

Not the worse book I've read, at least it was fast

85 This Time Together Carol Burnett

This was light, but packed full of big names. I remember watching her show growing up and laughing our asses off.

Hi Brenda I'm stopping by to wish you a great holiday.

Linda! Thank you :)

Wouldn't it be nice if 2017 was a year of peace and goodwill.
A year where people set aside their religious and racial differences.
A year where intolerance is given short shrift.
A year where hatred is replaced by, at the very least, respect.
A year where those in need are not looked upon as a burden but as a blessing.
A year where the commonality of man and woman rises up against those who would seek to subvert and divide.
A year without bombs, or shootings, or beheadings, or rape, or abuse, or spite.

2017.

Festive Greetings and a few wishes from Malaysia!

Thank you paul!

This is the Christmas tree at the end of the Pacific Beach Pier here in San Diego, a Christmas tradition.

To all my friends here at Library Thing, I want you to know how much I value you and how much I wish you a very happy holiday, whatever one you celebrate, and the very best of New Years!

That sunset is beautiful

Hi Brenda! A Belated Merry Christmas to you. I'm venturing out into the LT world again today, baby steps at first, and am going to draw another line in the sand and go forward on all the threads and friends I haven't had the heart to engage in and with lately. Appropriate oohs and aahs, and congratulations and so sorrys,..... but here's an Early Happy New Year to you and best wishes for all good things in 2017.

I hope your Christmas was very Merry and your New Year is wonderful, full of love and books.

I just discovered an interesting fact. We joined LT 10 days apart. You on January 1st 2007 and me on the 11th.

Looking forward to your continued company in 2017.
Happy New Year, Brenda

So Carry, does that make me older?

Thanks Paul, looking forward to the company and the books :)

Hi Karen, nice too see your name.