Happy Book Birthday Ally Condie!!!
I definitely recommend you go out right now and pick up a copy of this book! If you need to be further persuaded, you should read my review and check out this excerpt.
How Do You Retain Important Facts When Reading a Book in a Series?
Here’s my conundrum:
When I am reading a book in a series as each book gets published, I forget details – important details. This is especially true when most follow-up books are released a year apart. With a year between books and me reading lots of books in that time frame, I’m bound to forget all kinds of stuff.
Last month, I was getting ready to read Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. I started to read it but realized that I needed a Hush, Hush refresher. So I did what I normally do not do: I re-read Hush, Hush. In the end, I’m glad I did. There was so much that I had forgotten in one year’s time. Today, I am finding myself in the same predicament; I was getting ready to read Unraveled by Gena Showalter and I realized that I don’t remember a whole lot of what happened in Intertwined. Thanks to Page at One Book At A Time, I know have a good understanding of what took place in Intertwined and will not have to re-read it.
The ideal scenario would be to wait until the complete series has been written (or close to) before starting to read it. That way, all (or most) of the books are out and you can read them back to back and retain the necessary information needed in order to follow the storyline. But let’s face it, that ain’t always going to happen. Especially when it’s a series we’re in love with and/or there’s a killer cliffhanger that has you biting your nails.
Sometimes (though not all the time) the author is good about refreshing the reader a bit along the way. Case in point: Kate Kaynak. She did a wonderful job of filling in the reader with the important details from each previous book in her Ganzfield series. She did it in form of an introduction and called it “previously at Ganzfield”. I was ever so grateful for her doing this.
Then there’s re-reading. But I can’t go back and re-read every single time. I am not a fan of re-reading (that’s a whole ‘nother discussion for another day).
What do you do to keep the important information instilled in your memory? Do you do a “re-read session” before reading the latest book to catch up? Do you take notes and look back at them before reading the next book? If so, do you keep notes in a notebook/journal? Or do you keep notes on your computer or online somewhere? Or do you have a different trick you use?
ETA: Shortly after I posted this, I discovered a section in Goodreads called ‘Private Notes’ where you can write whatever you want and no one else would see it. I thought that this would be a great place to put important information about a book (that would most likely be a SPOILER for others) so I decided to use it. Then I discovered that you’re only allowed 513 characters. While that may be enough in some cases, it surely won’t be enough in most. So I still want to pick your brains to see how you retain important information when reading a book in a series. Ready? Set. Go!
On My Wishlist (53)
On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair…and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals…. So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor….
Someone Like You by Susan Mallery
Jill Strathern left town for the big city and never looked back—until she returned home years later to run a small law practice. It turns out her childhood crush, Mac Kendrick, a burned-out LAPD cop, has also come back to sleepy Los Lobos. Even though Mac rejected her back in high school, Jill can't deny the attraction she still feels for him.Now Jill and Mac are tangled in enough drama to satisfy the most jaded L.A. denizens—Mafia dons, social workers, angry exes and one very quirky eight-year-old make even the simplest romance complicated. And it all goes to prove that when it comes to affairs of the heart, there's no place like home. An unlikely pair…but a perfect match.
Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
When journalist Ellie looks through her newspaper's archives for a story, she doesn’t think she'll find anything of interest. Instead she discovers a letter from 1960, written by a man asking his lover to leave her husband – and Ellie is caught up in the intrigue of a past love affair. Despite, or perhaps because of her own romantic entanglements with a married man.In 1960, Jennifer wakes up in hospital after a car accident. She can't remember anything – her husband, her friends, who she used to be. And then, when she returns home, she uncovers a hidden letter, and begins to remember the lover she was willing to risk everything for. Ellie and Jennifer's stories of passion, adultery and loss are wound together in this richly emotive novel – interspersed with real 'last letters'.
The Transformation of Things by Jillian Cantor
What if the reality you thought you knew was nothing but a fantasy?Jennifer Levenworth has a great, big, pounding headache. It could be because her husband, a judge, is indicted on bribery charges, leaving her unsure about everything in her marriage. Or it could be caused by the media, who are relentlessly covering the story. Or because the friends Jennifer thought she knew and trusted have turned their backs on her in her greatest hour of need.
And then the dreams begin…
And while Jennifer sleeps, she swears she can see—and hear -- her friends' and family’s most private moments. Soon Jennifer realizes she is actually learning the truth about their lives, leading her to also question everything she thought she knew about herself. But when the dreams start to reveal a startling reality, can Jennifer find the strength to ultimately transform her life?
Say Goodnight, Gracie by Julie Reece Deaver
There are friends we can't imagine living without.Morgan and Jimmy were kids together, whirling around the porch on hot summer days. They've been friends forever, and by now they know each other inside out. They do everything together--from cutting high school to go into the city to coaching each other at dance auditions and acting workshops. They even argue well. A perfect friendship. Best friends. For life.
So how could life be so right and then be so wrong? After a terrible accident, Morgan suddenly has to face life alone. Without Jimmy around, though, it's like the best part of her has died. How could he do this to her? And why is love so hard?
So these are the books I’m wishing for this week. What’s on your wishlist?
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans! This is my favorite holiday of the year. I love spending the day with family. And we can’t forget the eating! I’m content on eating turkey with mashed potatoes, both of which are to be drenched in homemade gravy, all day long. Yummy!
What are your Thanksgiving meal must haves?
REVIEW: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
On a day that started like any other…Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the one decision she has left—the most important decision she’ll ever make.
Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.
Title: If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Format: paperback, 234 pages
Genre: young adult
Source: personal shelf
Published: May 2009
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon
Find the author online: website | blog | twitter | facebook
Why I Read this Book: I had learned about If I Stay earlier this year. At first, I wasn’t planning on reading it because it sounded too morbid. But then I had read a few books about death (like Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher) and found that I enjoy a good thought-provoking read. These types of books really make you think about life and what really matters. (You also start to notice how the little things can make an impact on others.) So I went out and bought If I Stay but it ended up sitting on my shelf for quite a while. Then I read Kelli’s review and that brought this book to the top of my TBR pile.
What I Liked: The transitions from current day to Mia’s flashback memories are seamless. The story flows along beautifully and you get a bit of history of each person in Mia’s life. Each memory holds a certain weight on her decision. The emotion is easy to feel, right off the page. If I Stay is a thought-provoking read about love, life, death, grief, and guilt. I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Teddy. I cried the most when I read about him.
What I Didn’t Like: I think my expectations might have been too high going in. It wasn’t as moving as I thought it would have been. It was lacking a certain je ne sais quoi. It was an emotional, thought-provoking read; it just wasn’t packing the punch I thought it had. Nevertheless, it was still a good read. I enjoyed reading If I Stay but I just didn’t love as much as I thought I was going to, which surprised me.
Overall Impression: If you have this book on your bookshelf, you have to ask yourself, just like I did, what are you waiting for? If I Stay reminded me of the movie Just Like Heaven. If you liked that movie then you’ll enjoy reading this book. Speaking of movies, film rights for If I Stay have been purchased by Summit (they made Twilight). Definitely a movie I would like to see float from the pages onto the big screen. There are some very interested elements that I would like to see come to life. And I am definitely looking forward to reading Where She Went, the sequel to If I Stay. The blurb sounds really good!
The Book Vixen’s Rating:
TEASER TUESDAYS: Trial by Fire
“I’m not looking for a one-night stand, Kat.”“Good news, otherwise I’d have to send you home with a serious case of blue balls.”
p. 73, Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others.
- Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
REVIEW: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming by Paula Graves
What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in scenic Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Although she survived the attack, the ordeal was far from over. But she wasn't alone. Not when Riley Patterson appointed himself her protector.Beneath Riley's strapping, solemn exterior hid a hard-driving sheriff who would stop at nothing to catch a killer. He promised Hannah safety, but it was the danger he posed that drew her in. Riley was as much a mystery as the man who sought to take her life. Trapped on his ranch, with no one but each other to trust, only justice could set them free...and possibly separate them forever.
Title: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming
Author: Paula Graves
Format: paperback, 214 pages
Genre: romantic suspense
Source: review copy
Published: January 2010 by Harelquin
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon
Find the author online: website | blog | twitter | facebook
Why I Read this Book: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming is a book from Harlequin’s Intrigue line, a line of romantic suspense novels. Back in my earlier reading days, I was into suspense and mysteries like books from Dean Koontz. But then I discovered Nicholas Sparks and realized that romance was my liking as well. I didn’t realize until this year that these two genres that I enjoy so much could blend and compliment one another so well.
What I Liked: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming had the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Neither of the two elements overshadowed the other. I loved the characters of Hannah and Riley. These two are both realistic people with believable emotions.
The POV was told in third person narrative for Hannah and Riley. There was also little snippets of the story told from the villain’s POV. I like that the villain’s POV wasn’t overbearing in Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming, like I find in some novels. It can be helpful and it can bring the story forward when we see what the bad guy is thinking and/or doing from time to time but I don’t want their POV to be a main focal point, especially in a romantic suspense novel. It was quick, to the point and the story got right back to our hero and heroine.
What I Didn’t Like: I would have like to have seen a little more sizzle between Hannah and Riley.
Overall Impression: This was a fast read; I read the book in less than 24 hours. Seriously, I can’t remember that last time I read a book so quickly. I was so engaged into the storyline and with what was going to happen between Hannah and Riley. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author and from Harlequin’s Intrigue line!
The Book Vixen’s Rating:
On My Wishlist (52)
On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.
Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry, #3) by Simone Elkeles
Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?Continuing all the steamy romance of the first two books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles gives fans one more satisfying taste of the irresistible Fuentes boys.
I have read Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction and I must say, I am really looking forward to Chain Reaction. Especially when Luis is the complete opposite of his brothers by being the good brother.
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
Sounds like a cute book. I love the premise of clues being left for each other.
Corsets and Clockwork: 13 Steampunk Romances
by Trisha Telep (Editor), Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author)(Contributor), Tiffany Trent (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Kiersten White (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Jaclyn Dolamore (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Tessa Gratton (Goodreads Author) (Contributor),Caitlin Kittredge (Contributor), Adrienne Kress (Contributor) , Lesley Livingston (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Dru Pagliassotti(Contributor), Dia Reeves (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Michael Scott(Contributor), Ann Aguirre (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Frewin Jones (Contributor)
I thought this book would be the perfect introduction to Steampunk, since I have yet to read anything from this genre. And I just LOVE the cover.
Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman
Natalie, a seventeen-year-old former drama club member who now writes a relationship column for her school newspaper, decides to go undercover as a student at an all-boys boarding school so that she can figure out what guys are really like.
This book reminds me of that 80s movie Just One of the Guys. I love that movie! And I really like this cover too.
Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton
Anna is dreading another tourist-filled summer on Dune Island that follows the same routine: beach, ice cream, friends, repeat. That is, until she locks eyes with Will, the gorgeous and sweet guy visiting from New York. Soon, her summer is filled with flirtatious fun as Anna falls head over heels in love.But with every perfect afternoon, sweet kiss, and walk on the beach, Anna can't ignore that the days are quickly growing shorter, and Will has to leave at the end of August. Anna's never felt anything like this before, but when forever isn't even a possibility, one summer doesn't feel worth the promise of her heart breaking…
I don’t know why but I like reading about summer romances that have an expiration date because someone has to leave and go back home. Is that sad or what?
So that’s what’s on my wishlist this week. What are you wishing for?
Fever Series Read-Along
In preparation of the highly anticipated release of the 5th and final book in the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, Fiction Vixen and Smexy Books have teamed up for a Fever series read-along. This is perfect for anyone who hasn’t yet read the series or for those who would like to refresh their memories with a re-read of the series. I am a Fever newbie so I will be reading along for the first time. Today, Sophia, Mandi and Tori are discussing Darkfever.
Click HERE for details about the read-along.
Click HERE for today's discussion about Darkfever, the first book in the series. Don’t read this until you have read Darkfever, or there will be SPOILERS I’m sure.
I’ll be right over as soon as I finish reading Darkfever, which will hopefully be later on today. Hope to see you there!
2011 Men in Uniform Reading Challenge - COMPLETED
Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
Details:
- Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
- The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
- Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
- You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
- Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Men in Uniform Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.
Levels:
Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels
Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels
Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels
Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels
At this moment, I am going for the Lieutenant level at the Captain level. Here is my list of books for this challenge (links go to my review):
- Sugar Creek by Toni Blake
- Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
- Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy
- Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy
- Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
- Bad Girl by Night by Lacey Alexander
- Cover Me by Catherine Mann
- Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey
- The Chase by Erin McCarthy
- Something About You by Julie James
- Turn It Up by Inez Kelley
- The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
- In Seconds by Brenda Novak
- Only Yours by Susan Mallery
- If You Hear Her by Shiloh Walker
- Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep
- Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
- The Heart of a Killer by Jaci Burton
- The Storm That is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones
- Hot Zone by Catherine Mann
- Baby, I’m Yours by Stephanie Bond
- Only Us by Susan Mallery
I excelled at this reading challenge! I made it all the way to the Chief level. Woot woot!
2011 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge - FAILED
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
Details:
- Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
- The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
- Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
- You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
- Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.
Levels:
Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books
I am going for the I’m on fire! level. I read 86 books in 2010. My goal for 2011 is to read 100 books. Here is my list of books for this challenge (links go to my review):
- Life, Liberty, and Pursuit by Susan Kaye Quinn
- One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake
- Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
- Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
- Compromising Positions by Jenna Bayley-Burke
- Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
- Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning
- Sugar Creek by Toni Blake
- Free Falling by Sandy James
- Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
- Legacy by Kate Kaynak
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
- Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy
- Pink by Lili Wilkinson
- The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
- Blank Confession by Pete Hautman
- Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy
- Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
- Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
- Tempt Me by Shiloh Walker
- Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
- Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
- Hunter’s Fall by Shiloh Walker
- Staying at Daisy’s by Jill Mansell
- Where She Went by Gayle Forman
- Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning
- Enclave by Ann Aguirre
- Trust in Advertising by Victoria Michaels
- Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley
- The Wish List by Gabi Stevens
- One Night by Debbie Macomber
- As You Wish by Gabi Stevens
- Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
- When You Dare by Lori Foster
- Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese
- Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery
- The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones
- 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
- Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery
- Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
- Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill
- Trace of Fever by Lori Foster
- Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
- Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
- Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
- Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
- Bad Girl by Night by Lacey Alexander
- Make Her Pay by Roxanne St. Claire
- Secrets by Lauren Kunze & Rina Onur
- Inside by Brenda Novak
- Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
- Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski
- You Belong to Me by Karen Rose
- Nightfall by Ellen Connor
- Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey
- Cover Me by Catherine Mann
- Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey
- The Chase by Erin McCarthy
- Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare
- Something About You by Julie James
- Only Mine by Susan Mallery
- Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
- Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
- The Best Laid Plans by Sarah Mayberry
- Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
- Turn It Up by Inez Kelley
- Crux by Moira Rogers
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- Glow by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
- Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
- The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
- Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
- Love Story by Jennifer Echols
- In Seconds by Brenda Novak
- Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik
- Only Yours by Susan Mallery
- Fateful by Claudia Gray
- Dangerous Race by Dee J. Adams
- Only His by Susan Mallery
- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
- Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
- If You Hear Her by Shiloh Walker
- Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep
- Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
- The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
- Eve by Anna Carey
- The Heart of a Killer by Jaci Burton
- The Storm That is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones
- The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
- Hot Zone by Catherine Mann
- Open Me by Reina Stowe
- In Close by Brenda Novak
- All I Want for Christmas by Liliana Hart
- A Present for Christmas by Shiloh Walker
- Four Kisses by Bonnie Dee
- Make Mine Midnight by Annmarie McKenna
- Baby, I’m Yours by Stephanie Bond
- Only Us by Susan Mallery
I missed my goal by 2 books. Better luck next year.
2011 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge - FAILED
Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
Details:
- Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
- The goal is to read or re-read as many Nicholas Sparks novels as you’d like. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
- Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
- You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
- Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.
Levels:
First Date – Read 1–4 Nicholas Sparks novels
Going Steady – Read 5–8 Nicholas Sparks novels
Engaged – Read 9–12 Nicholas Sparks novels
Married – Read 13–16 Nicholas Sparks novels
I am going for the Engaged level. Every book listed below, with the exception of The Wedding, Three Weeks With My Brother and Safe Haven, will be a re-read for me.
- The Best of Me
I failed this challenges miserably. And it was my own reading challenge!! I still hope to get around to reading The Wedding, Three Weeks With My Brother and Safe Haven as well as re-read some of his other novels.
TEASER TUESDAYS: Darkfever
I didn’t see it coming. He was nearly past me, nearly to the door, when he grabbed me and slammed me back against his body.
p. 59, Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others.
- Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
SIGN UP: 2011 Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
Who doesn’t love a man in uniform? I sure do and I love reading about them too. They’re hot, resourceful and they’re always well equipped ;) So I’ve decided to mix some sexy men in uniform into my reading agenda for 2011.
Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
Details:
- Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
- The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
- Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
- You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
- Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Men in Uniform Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.
Levels:
Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels
Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels
Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels
Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels
ETA: Erica found this list of Military books on Goodreads.
Review Link Up:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Sign Up:
When you sign up, please put the name of your blog and the direct URL link to your blog post where the level you selected and your books will be listed, not a link to your blog’s home page.
SIGN UP: 2011 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
My goal for 2010 was to read 100 books for the year. As of right now, it looks like I’m not going to make it. (Right now I’m at 67.) It does please me that I read more books this year than I did last year but I want to read more. My goal for 2011 will also be to read 100 books. I think there’s a little bit of self-competition in everyone. So I decided to turn this into a fun reading challenge. I want to read more books in 2011 than I did in 2010. Plain and simple. What about you – are you game?
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
Details:
- Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
- The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
- Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
- You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
- Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.
Levels:
Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books
Review Link Up:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Sign Up:
When you sign up, please put the name of your blog and the direct URL link to your blog post where the level you selected and your books will be listed, not a link to your blog’s home page.
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