Check out the July Challenge!
Do you have a book you read in school that you swore was the worst book ever? Have you ever thought that maybe your teachers weren't out to torture you, and there may have been a method to their madness after all? Then the July Challenge is for you!
Details on the challenge can be found here...check it out, and join us!
Details on the challenge can be found here...check it out, and join us!
( The List So Far )
11) Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell (Tag Line- The Book that started it all...
( Back Cover )
My thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book for a while (it just took me a while to find it) and while I got a little confused with the whole essay aspect initally I adjusted and it was good... for a good read. My only disappointment was finding out that the the other three main characters from the show wheren't mentchioned as much. 4/5
11 / 50 books. 22% done!
11) Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell (Tag Line- The Book that started it all...
( Back Cover )
My thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book for a while (it just took me a while to find it) and while I got a little confused with the whole essay aspect initally I adjusted and it was good... for a good read. My only disappointment was finding out that the the other three main characters from the show wheren't mentchioned as much. 4/5
Book #84 -- Terrance Dicks, Doctor Who and the Genesis of the Daleks, 140 pages.
The novelisation of the pivotal Doctor Who episode. I've seen the episode, so it was interesting to see how they turned it into a book, not to mention refreshing my memory. Not bad at all.
Progress toward goals: 219/366 = 59.8%
Books: 84/150 = 56.0%
Pages: 22726/50000 = 45.5%
2008 Book List
cross-posted to![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif)
15000pages, 50bookchallenge, and ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
gwynraven
The novelisation of the pivotal Doctor Who episode. I've seen the episode, so it was interesting to see how they turned it into a book, not to mention refreshing my memory. Not bad at all.
Progress toward goals: 219/366 = 59.8%
Books: 84/150 = 56.0%
Pages: 22726/50000 = 45.5%
2008 Book List
cross-posted to
15000pages, 50bookchallenge, and gwynravenI haven't had a chance to post in quite a while. Here's what I've read since I last posted in April.
19 - ( Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas )
20 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #13: Wolves at the Gate pt 2
21 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14: Wolves at the Gate pt 3 (I'll post about these after #4)
22 - ( Angel #5: After the Fall pt 5 )
23 - ( I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark )
24 - ( Grief by Andrew Holleran )
25 - ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15: Wolves at the Gate pt 4 )
26 - ( A Density of Souls by Christopher Rice )
27 - ( Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley )
28 - ( Us Ones in Between by Blair Mastbaum )
29 - ( The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger )
30 - ( The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy )
31 - ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #16 - Time of Your Life pt 1 )
32 - ( A Secret Edge by Robin Reardon )
33 - ( Spike #1 - After the Fall pt 1 )
34 - ( The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold )
19 - ( Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas )
20 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #13: Wolves at the Gate pt 2
21 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14: Wolves at the Gate pt 3 (I'll post about these after #4)
22 - ( Angel #5: After the Fall pt 5 )
23 - ( I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark )
24 - ( Grief by Andrew Holleran )
25 - ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15: Wolves at the Gate pt 4 )
26 - ( A Density of Souls by Christopher Rice )
27 - ( Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley )
28 - ( Us Ones in Between by Blair Mastbaum )
29 - ( The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger )
30 - ( The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy )
31 - ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #16 - Time of Your Life pt 1 )
32 - ( A Secret Edge by Robin Reardon )
33 - ( Spike #1 - After the Fall pt 1 )
34 - ( The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold )
- Mood:
relaxed - Music:Goldfrapp ~ Caravan Girl
68. Small Mediums at Large: The True Tale of a Family of Psychics Terry Iacuzzo (3/5)
Terry Iacuzzo is apparently one of the big psychics to the stars (and to other VIPs), although of course we have to take her word for it because she refuses to reveal who she's done readings for. This book is mainly a memoir of childhood and early adulthood, and details her strained relationship with her brother Frank (who was/is also a famous psychic) and the rest of her family, who also possess uncanny abilities. It's a rather difficult memoir for a skeptic to read. On the one hand, it's absolutely fascinating, and Iacuzzo has lead a pretty strange and interesting life. On the other hand, since it's a memoir, there's a complete lack of outside confirmation that any of the events described actually occurred. Members of the family apparently make astounding predictions, but since these predictions are all related after the fact, there's no way of knowing how much things have been manipulated. There's also no account of the many predictions that never came true. Overall, too, this just isn't particularly well-written. Subjects are picked up and dropped; people in fascinating or dangerous situations are described and then never mentioned again. Much of the strange behavior of Terry's family is never explained, and Terry is strangely unforthcoming about a lot of her own emotional and personal development. The result is muddled and unsatisfying, somewhat, but also weird enough that it's still worth the read.
69. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Slayer, Interrupted Scott Lobdell (3/5)
This BtVS graphic novel is set in between the events of the movie and the start of the TV series. Buffy's mother and father read her diary and discover that she thinks she is the Slayer -- something that's CLEARLY insane. Buffy ends up committed to a mental institution, and in the process becomes more committed to her role as the Slayer. This was pretty entertaining, but nothing terribly grounbreaking. Solid story, solid art, worth reading, but not one for the ages.
70. A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L'Engle (5/5)
This is a re-read, revisiting one of my favorites from my childhood. It holds up very well, and I still found it enchanting. I had forgotten, however, how absolutely abruptly it ends -- this frustrated me as a child, and it still frustrates me a bit now.
Terry Iacuzzo is apparently one of the big psychics to the stars (and to other VIPs), although of course we have to take her word for it because she refuses to reveal who she's done readings for. This book is mainly a memoir of childhood and early adulthood, and details her strained relationship with her brother Frank (who was/is also a famous psychic) and the rest of her family, who also possess uncanny abilities. It's a rather difficult memoir for a skeptic to read. On the one hand, it's absolutely fascinating, and Iacuzzo has lead a pretty strange and interesting life. On the other hand, since it's a memoir, there's a complete lack of outside confirmation that any of the events described actually occurred. Members of the family apparently make astounding predictions, but since these predictions are all related after the fact, there's no way of knowing how much things have been manipulated. There's also no account of the many predictions that never came true. Overall, too, this just isn't particularly well-written. Subjects are picked up and dropped; people in fascinating or dangerous situations are described and then never mentioned again. Much of the strange behavior of Terry's family is never explained, and Terry is strangely unforthcoming about a lot of her own emotional and personal development. The result is muddled and unsatisfying, somewhat, but also weird enough that it's still worth the read.
69. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Slayer, Interrupted Scott Lobdell (3/5)
This BtVS graphic novel is set in between the events of the movie and the start of the TV series. Buffy's mother and father read her diary and discover that she thinks she is the Slayer -- something that's CLEARLY insane. Buffy ends up committed to a mental institution, and in the process becomes more committed to her role as the Slayer. This was pretty entertaining, but nothing terribly grounbreaking. Solid story, solid art, worth reading, but not one for the ages.
70. A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L'Engle (5/5)
This is a re-read, revisiting one of my favorites from my childhood. It holds up very well, and I still found it enchanting. I had forgotten, however, how absolutely abruptly it ends -- this frustrated me as a child, and it still frustrates me a bit now.
20. Beautiful Bottom, Beautiful Shame: Where "Black" Meets "Queer", by Kathryn Stockton (271 pages)
Queer theory. Interesting theory book on the obvious. Does some interesting things with Pulp Fiction, Mapplethorpe, and Toni Morrison's work, as well as Freud. Read for my Queer Theory class.
19. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Miserable Mall, by Lemony Snicket (194 pages)
YA Fantasy. Poor Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire find thsemselves carted off to another relative who has decided that they must work at his mill in return for room and board, as well as safety from Count Olaf. The series gets a bit gruesome in this one.
20. Local News, by Gary Soto (148 pages)
YA short stories. A collection of short stories about youths growing up in Fresno, California. They're really good, and I bought them in preparation for meeting Gary Soto, who is really cool as well. Signed book.
( 21-24 are Doctor Who books )
25. The End of California, by Steve Yarbrough (303 pages)
Adult literary fiction. Pete Barrington flees California as he once fled Mississippi; fleeing Mississippi was fleeing from nothingness, but now he is fleeing back to escape scandal. Little does he realize that he's only returning to the scandal that he started back in high school, and he's dragging his wife and daughter, who has known little outside of life in Fresno, California, into the fray. Signed book.
( 26 and 27 are Doctor Who again )
28. The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien (246 pages)
Adult. short story and memoir mixture, literary. O'Brien mixes memoir with fiction, truth with exaggeration and lie, to tell in an abstract way what he carries from his time as a soldier in Vietnam. Beautifully written.
May pages = 1955
Total pages = 5681 pages
January through March reading
April reading
Queer theory. Interesting theory book on the obvious. Does some interesting things with Pulp Fiction, Mapplethorpe, and Toni Morrison's work, as well as Freud. Read for my Queer Theory class.
19. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Miserable Mall, by Lemony Snicket (194 pages)
YA Fantasy. Poor Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire find thsemselves carted off to another relative who has decided that they must work at his mill in return for room and board, as well as safety from Count Olaf. The series gets a bit gruesome in this one.
20. Local News, by Gary Soto (148 pages)
YA short stories. A collection of short stories about youths growing up in Fresno, California. They're really good, and I bought them in preparation for meeting Gary Soto, who is really cool as well. Signed book.
( 21-24 are Doctor Who books )
25. The End of California, by Steve Yarbrough (303 pages)
Adult literary fiction. Pete Barrington flees California as he once fled Mississippi; fleeing Mississippi was fleeing from nothingness, but now he is fleeing back to escape scandal. Little does he realize that he's only returning to the scandal that he started back in high school, and he's dragging his wife and daughter, who has known little outside of life in Fresno, California, into the fray. Signed book.
( 26 and 27 are Doctor Who again )
28. The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien (246 pages)
Adult. short story and memoir mixture, literary. O'Brien mixes memoir with fiction, truth with exaggeration and lie, to tell in an abstract way what he carries from his time as a soldier in Vietnam. Beautifully written.
May pages = 1955
Total pages = 5681 pages
January through March reading
April reading
- Mood:busy
49. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Haunted Jane Espenson (3/5)
This Buffy comic, set between the third and fourth seasons, was a lot of fun. The plot was nothing earthshaking, but it captured the look, feel, and dialog of a good episode of "Buffy."
50. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: False Memories Tom Fassbender (2/5)
This one was not so good. The art was kind of ugly, and the subject matter seemed less like an expansion on themes from the fifth season, and more like just a reiteration of plot points. In fact, I spent half the book trying to figure out if it was actually a comic book version of one of the season five episodes, or if it just SEEMED like it was a generic episode from that season.
51. The Anxiety Book Jonathan Davidson (4/5)
I'm not real huge on self-help books, but this is a very intelligently written book for people who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and is refreshingly free from typical "self-help" talk. In fact, I'm not sure I would even class it as self-help, seeing as much of it is concerned with finding the right help in treating anxiety issues, and the benefits of professional help are definitely stressed. The author gives equal time to all the major methods of treating these disorders (medication, diet and lifestyle changes, cognitive therapy, etc.) and is very clear on the fact that combining several of these treatments tends to be the most effective way of minimizing anxiety issues. His description of the way cognitive-behavioral therapy works is one of the clearest and most helpful I've run across, and overall I just thought this was an excellent book.
This Buffy comic, set between the third and fourth seasons, was a lot of fun. The plot was nothing earthshaking, but it captured the look, feel, and dialog of a good episode of "Buffy."
50. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: False Memories Tom Fassbender (2/5)
This one was not so good. The art was kind of ugly, and the subject matter seemed less like an expansion on themes from the fifth season, and more like just a reiteration of plot points. In fact, I spent half the book trying to figure out if it was actually a comic book version of one of the season five episodes, or if it just SEEMED like it was a generic episode from that season.
51. The Anxiety Book Jonathan Davidson (4/5)
I'm not real huge on self-help books, but this is a very intelligently written book for people who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and is refreshingly free from typical "self-help" talk. In fact, I'm not sure I would even class it as self-help, seeing as much of it is concerned with finding the right help in treating anxiety issues, and the benefits of professional help are definitely stressed. The author gives equal time to all the major methods of treating these disorders (medication, diet and lifestyle changes, cognitive therapy, etc.) and is very clear on the fact that combining several of these treatments tends to be the most effective way of minimizing anxiety issues. His description of the way cognitive-behavioral therapy works is one of the clearest and most helpful I've run across, and overall I just thought this was an excellent book.
#32 Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay
If you've seen the tv series then you'll know the plot. It is virtually the same; which is a sign of a good adaptation. Dexter works as a blood spatter analyst for the police, in his spare time he satisfies his blood lust by killing those who harm others - a serial killer with a heart, you might say. After a body turns up devoid of blood, Dexter becomes intrigued and begins to feel a connection with this particular serial killer. A fast paced novel, which keeps you entertained. If you enjoyed the tv series, you'll enjoy the novel.
7/10
#33 I Am Legend - Richard Matheson
I generally don't read novels after I've seen the film/tv series, but it just happens that the last two novels I've read have been adapted for the screen. Unlike Dexter, this novel shares only a few similarities with the film: the protagonist is called Robert Neville and he is the last man on earth. The rest of society have been consumed by a vampire virus which Neville has somehow managed to escape. He spends his days killing comatose vampires and trying to find the cause of the vampirism and his nights hiding in his house.
If you've seen the film, try to distance yourself from it and you will enjoy the book so much more.
8/10
If you've seen the tv series then you'll know the plot. It is virtually the same; which is a sign of a good adaptation. Dexter works as a blood spatter analyst for the police, in his spare time he satisfies his blood lust by killing those who harm others - a serial killer with a heart, you might say. After a body turns up devoid of blood, Dexter becomes intrigued and begins to feel a connection with this particular serial killer. A fast paced novel, which keeps you entertained. If you enjoyed the tv series, you'll enjoy the novel.
7/10
#33 I Am Legend - Richard Matheson
I generally don't read novels after I've seen the film/tv series, but it just happens that the last two novels I've read have been adapted for the screen. Unlike Dexter, this novel shares only a few similarities with the film: the protagonist is called Robert Neville and he is the last man on earth. The rest of society have been consumed by a vampire virus which Neville has somehow managed to escape. He spends his days killing comatose vampires and trying to find the cause of the vampirism and his nights hiding in his house.
If you've seen the film, try to distance yourself from it and you will enjoy the book so much more.
8/10
- Mood: content
- Music:Reading: Labyrinth - Kate Mosse
Book 33 - Sit, Ubu, Sit: How I went from Brooklyn to Hollywood with the Same Woman, the Same Dog, and a Lot Less Hair by Gary David Goldberg. The creator of "Family Ties" and "Spin City" relates how he became one of the biggest hotshots in Hollywood. I didn't realize that he and Michael J. Fox are so close. They actually had a falling out over some "Spin City" conflicts and didn't speak for quite a while. This was an interesting and enjoyable read.
Book 34 - Beautiful Boy by David Sheff. A father chronicles his son's addiction to meth. Enjoyed doesn't seem right to say, but I couldn't put this book down. As a parent, it was scary to see this smart, very loved boy end up with such a horrible addiction. Everyone's child is at risk. The ending was optimistic, but not happy. The son also wrote a book about his own addiction, which I have on hold at the library.
Book 35 - My Life with Bonnie and Clyde by Blanche Caldwell Barrow. The famous story, told from his sister-in-law's perspective. I've always been fascinated with Bonnie and Clyde, and have seen the movie many times. Blanche was portrayed as a loud, bitchy shrew in the movie, but if her account in the book is to be believed, she wasn't like that at all. In the movie, Clyde and his brother Buck were very close, but according to Blanche, almost came to blows quite often. Lots of interesting tidbits. I highly recommend this if you want a different perspective of the Bonnie and Clyde saga.
Book 34 - Beautiful Boy by David Sheff. A father chronicles his son's addiction to meth. Enjoyed doesn't seem right to say, but I couldn't put this book down. As a parent, it was scary to see this smart, very loved boy end up with such a horrible addiction. Everyone's child is at risk. The ending was optimistic, but not happy. The son also wrote a book about his own addiction, which I have on hold at the library.
Book 35 - My Life with Bonnie and Clyde by Blanche Caldwell Barrow. The famous story, told from his sister-in-law's perspective. I've always been fascinated with Bonnie and Clyde, and have seen the movie many times. Blanche was portrayed as a loud, bitchy shrew in the movie, but if her account in the book is to be believed, she wasn't like that at all. In the movie, Clyde and his brother Buck were very close, but according to Blanche, almost came to blows quite often. Lots of interesting tidbits. I highly recommend this if you want a different perspective of the Bonnie and Clyde saga.
- Mood: relaxed
9. Trace Memory - David Llewellyn
The blurb: Tiger Bay, Cardiff, 1953. A mysterious crate is brought into the docks on a Scandinavian cargo ship. Its destination the Torchwood Institute. As the crate is offloaded by a group of local dockers, it explodes, killing all but one of them, a young Butetown lad called Michael Bellini.
Fifty-five years later, a radioactive source somewhere in the Hub leads Torchwood to discover the same Michael Bellini, still young and dressed in his 1950s clothes, cowering in the vaults. They soon realise that each has encountered Michael before - as a child in Osaka, as a junior doctor, as a young police constable, as a new recruit to Torchwood One. But it's Jack who remembers him best of all.
Michael's involuntary time-travelling has something to do with a radiation-charged relic held inside the crate. And the Men In Bowler Hats are coming to get it back.
My thoughts: At first I wasn't really getting into the book at all. For me, it was a bit slow paced and well, confusing. But once the story really kicked in, I was hooked. I loved all the different ways in which Michael touched Torchwood's lives - meeting Jack and Owen, affecting Ianto's work, meeting Tosh as a child. All of these scenarios were so well written, the transition between past and present seemed almost effortless. To say the story involved time-travelling, it wasn't overly scientific. I liked the character development of Ianto especially in this book. It was good to see him get some more depth. A good read for Torchwood fans.
The blurb: Tiger Bay, Cardiff, 1953. A mysterious crate is brought into the docks on a Scandinavian cargo ship. Its destination the Torchwood Institute. As the crate is offloaded by a group of local dockers, it explodes, killing all but one of them, a young Butetown lad called Michael Bellini.
Fifty-five years later, a radioactive source somewhere in the Hub leads Torchwood to discover the same Michael Bellini, still young and dressed in his 1950s clothes, cowering in the vaults. They soon realise that each has encountered Michael before - as a child in Osaka, as a junior doctor, as a young police constable, as a new recruit to Torchwood One. But it's Jack who remembers him best of all.
Michael's involuntary time-travelling has something to do with a radiation-charged relic held inside the crate. And the Men In Bowler Hats are coming to get it back.
My thoughts: At first I wasn't really getting into the book at all. For me, it was a bit slow paced and well, confusing. But once the story really kicked in, I was hooked. I loved all the different ways in which Michael touched Torchwood's lives - meeting Jack and Owen, affecting Ianto's work, meeting Tosh as a child. All of these scenarios were so well written, the transition between past and present seemed almost effortless. To say the story involved time-travelling, it wasn't overly scientific. I liked the character development of Ianto especially in this book. It was good to see him get some more depth. A good read for Torchwood fans.
- Mood: chipper
Title: The Alexander Cipher
Author: Will Adams
Pages: 517
Genre: Historical/Crime/Thriller. Maybe? I suck at putting these things into categories!
Summary:
It's 318 BC in the deserts of Libya, and Alexander the Great is buried as only a God should be, placed in a golden Sarcophagus in a catacomb of chambers, each packed with diamonds, rubies and gold. This was how he should have remained, but time waits for no-one. 2007 - underwater archaeologist Daniel Knox has been on the trail of Alexander's Gold ever since he can remember. When a tomb is uncovered on the construction site of a new hotel, Daniel believes he has found the clue to what he has been working towards for years. But the discovery has alerted two of the most dangerous men in the world, and Daniel is now a marked man. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this. Well written, and although I know nothing about the time it gave enough background with out going into tons of historical detail!
Title: The Love Knot
Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Pages: 472
Genre: Historical fiction
Summary:
The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king, and his mother's maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient art, Catrin agrees. But the midwife's life is fraught with dangers, not least Oliver's own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the couple's lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her love and for her vocation. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
This is a re-read, but I couldn't remember what was happening until about half way through! I LOVE Elizabeth Chadwick's writing style, so i definately reccommend this one!
Title: The Black Sun
Author: James Twining
Pages: 579
Genre: Historical/Crime/Thriller
Summary:
A whole year has passed since art thief Tom Kirk made a resolution to abjure his criminal activities. But--it goes without saying--he finds himself unable to entirely leave his old life behind (after all, Twining would have no book in that the case). Three major art thefts occur, while in London a survivor of the death camps is killed in hospital. His murderers have removed a grisly relic from the crime scene: the dead man's left arm. Soon, Kirk finds himself drawn into a mystifying (and highly dangerous) situation, with yet another element complicating the already labyrinthine plot: a gang has broken into the NSA museum and made off with a decoding machine. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
Loved this as well. I haven't read the first one, but I don't think I missed anything vital to this story! I'd worked out the doubling crossings and things befire the end, but it didn't take away the enjoyment, haha!
Title: Slow Decay
Author: Andy Lane
Pages: 250
Genre: TV novelisation
Summary:
When Torchwood track an enery surge to a Cardiff nightclub, the team finds 5 teenages have died in a fight, and lying amost the bodies is an alien device. The next morning they discover the corpse of a Weevil, it's face and neck eaten away, seemingly by human teeth.
Gwen's job is putting a strain on Rhys and her relationship. She decides it's tim t spruce up their relationship using alien technology, and Rhys decides to sort himself on - go on a diet. Luckily a friend mentioned Dr Scotus's weight-loss clinic...
My Thoughts:
Biased, but I love these books! Read this one in celebration that there are another three coming out later this year!
All the way through this I was sitting there going 'Adipose, ADIPOSE' Haha. But y'know, it wasn't. A little less cuddly. Loved all the bits of insight into the characters, and I thought the way he'd written the dialogue fitted with the characters well!
( This years books )
Total Books: 33
Total Pages: 12866
Currently Reading: None
Next Up: Don't know
Author: Will Adams
Pages: 517
Genre: Historical/Crime/Thriller. Maybe? I suck at putting these things into categories!
Summary:
It's 318 BC in the deserts of Libya, and Alexander the Great is buried as only a God should be, placed in a golden Sarcophagus in a catacomb of chambers, each packed with diamonds, rubies and gold. This was how he should have remained, but time waits for no-one. 2007 - underwater archaeologist Daniel Knox has been on the trail of Alexander's Gold ever since he can remember. When a tomb is uncovered on the construction site of a new hotel, Daniel believes he has found the clue to what he has been working towards for years. But the discovery has alerted two of the most dangerous men in the world, and Daniel is now a marked man. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this. Well written, and although I know nothing about the time it gave enough background with out going into tons of historical detail!
Title: The Love Knot
Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Pages: 472
Genre: Historical fiction
Summary:
The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king, and his mother's maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient art, Catrin agrees. But the midwife's life is fraught with dangers, not least Oliver's own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the couple's lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her love and for her vocation. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
This is a re-read, but I couldn't remember what was happening until about half way through! I LOVE Elizabeth Chadwick's writing style, so i definately reccommend this one!
Title: The Black Sun
Author: James Twining
Pages: 579
Genre: Historical/Crime/Thriller
Summary:
A whole year has passed since art thief Tom Kirk made a resolution to abjure his criminal activities. But--it goes without saying--he finds himself unable to entirely leave his old life behind (after all, Twining would have no book in that the case). Three major art thefts occur, while in London a survivor of the death camps is killed in hospital. His murderers have removed a grisly relic from the crime scene: the dead man's left arm. Soon, Kirk finds himself drawn into a mystifying (and highly dangerous) situation, with yet another element complicating the already labyrinthine plot: a gang has broken into the NSA museum and made off with a decoding machine. [Amazon.co.uk]
My Thoughts:
Loved this as well. I haven't read the first one, but I don't think I missed anything vital to this story! I'd worked out the doubling crossings and things befire the end, but it didn't take away the enjoyment, haha!
Title: Slow Decay
Author: Andy Lane
Pages: 250
Genre: TV novelisation
Summary:
When Torchwood track an enery surge to a Cardiff nightclub, the team finds 5 teenages have died in a fight, and lying amost the bodies is an alien device. The next morning they discover the corpse of a Weevil, it's face and neck eaten away, seemingly by human teeth.
Gwen's job is putting a strain on Rhys and her relationship. She decides it's tim t spruce up their relationship using alien technology, and Rhys decides to sort himself on - go on a diet. Luckily a friend mentioned Dr Scotus's weight-loss clinic...
My Thoughts:
Biased, but I love these books! Read this one in celebration that there are another three coming out later this year!
All the way through this I was sitting there going 'Adipose, ADIPOSE' Haha. But y'know, it wasn't. A little less cuddly. Loved all the bits of insight into the characters, and I thought the way he'd written the dialogue fitted with the characters well!
( This years books )
Total Books: 33
Total Pages: 12866
Currently Reading: None
Next Up: Don't know
Had to move this month, and packing all one's books isn't conducive to reading them. :(
14. Hatching Magic, by Ann Downer (242 pages)
YA Fantasy. Somewhat amusing, if stereotypical, modern dragons-and-wizards tale. Characters are stereotypical, and plot is contrived. Interesting in that it involves time travel, modified tarot, and demons. Recommended if you want a silly diversion, but not really for plot or characters.
15. Cirque du Freak: Vampire Mountain, by Darren Shan (199 pages)
YA Fantasy/Horror. Fourth in the series. Mr. Crepsley takes Darren to Vampire Mountain in order to present him to the Council as a new half-vampire. Two Little People travel with them with an important message for the Vampire Prince. What does this message mean for vampires, and will the Council accept Darren?
16. Doctor Who and the Armageddon Factor, by Terrance Dicks (127 pages)
Adult Fantasy. Mildly entertaining, involving the 4th Doctor and Romana in their quest for the Key to Time.
17. Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, by Terrance Dicks (125 pages)
Adult Fantasy. Better than The Armageddon Factor. The Doctor and Sarah end up on an alien planet with the TARDIS somehow drained of power. What is causing the effect, and why are the Daleks there? The Doctor and Sarah must somehow escape with their lives and save the human race. The only thing that bothered me was I couldn't figure out which Doctor this was. I assumed it was Sarah Jane Smith, but K9 wasn't in here so I wiki'd it. Third Doctor and Sarah Jane (though it never actually refers to her as Sarah Jane). It's a novilization of actual episodes.
April pages = 693
Total pages = 3726 pages
January through March reading
14. Hatching Magic, by Ann Downer (242 pages)
YA Fantasy. Somewhat amusing, if stereotypical, modern dragons-and-wizards tale. Characters are stereotypical, and plot is contrived. Interesting in that it involves time travel, modified tarot, and demons. Recommended if you want a silly diversion, but not really for plot or characters.
15. Cirque du Freak: Vampire Mountain, by Darren Shan (199 pages)
YA Fantasy/Horror. Fourth in the series. Mr. Crepsley takes Darren to Vampire Mountain in order to present him to the Council as a new half-vampire. Two Little People travel with them with an important message for the Vampire Prince. What does this message mean for vampires, and will the Council accept Darren?
16. Doctor Who and the Armageddon Factor, by Terrance Dicks (127 pages)
Adult Fantasy. Mildly entertaining, involving the 4th Doctor and Romana in their quest for the Key to Time.
17. Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, by Terrance Dicks (125 pages)
Adult Fantasy. Better than The Armageddon Factor. The Doctor and Sarah end up on an alien planet with the TARDIS somehow drained of power. What is causing the effect, and why are the Daleks there? The Doctor and Sarah must somehow escape with their lives and save the human race. The only thing that bothered me was I couldn't figure out which Doctor this was. I assumed it was Sarah Jane Smith, but K9 wasn't in here so I wiki'd it. Third Doctor and Sarah Jane (though it never actually refers to her as Sarah Jane). It's a novilization of actual episodes.
April pages = 693
Total pages = 3726 pages
January through March reading
- Mood:busy
Something in the Water - Trevor Baxendale
The blurb says: 'Dr Bob Strong's GP surgery has been treating a lot of coughs and colds recently, far more than is normal for the time of year. Bob thinks there's something up but he can't think what. He seems to have caught it himself, whatever it is - he's starting to cough badly and there are flecks of blood in his hanky. Saskia Harden has been found on a number of occasions submerged in ponds or canals but alive and seemingly none for the worse for wear. Saskia is not on any files, except in the medical records at Dr Strong's GP practice. But Torchwood's priorities lie elsewhere: investigating ghostly apparitions in South Wales, they have found a dead body. It's old and in an advanced state of decay. And it's still able to talk. And what is is saying is "Water hag"....
So this is the first Torchwood book I have read, and it won't be the last! The book was very well written and could easily be made into an episode. It kept the same style as the programme itself - fast paced, interesting storyline, sharp wit. It was a bit predictable, but I find that with Torchwood anyway. Normally books like this would not be my thing, but I think the fact I like Torchwood and the way it is written really helped me to enjoy it. A slightly biased review, but a review nonetheless :)
The blurb says: 'Dr Bob Strong's GP surgery has been treating a lot of coughs and colds recently, far more than is normal for the time of year. Bob thinks there's something up but he can't think what. He seems to have caught it himself, whatever it is - he's starting to cough badly and there are flecks of blood in his hanky. Saskia Harden has been found on a number of occasions submerged in ponds or canals but alive and seemingly none for the worse for wear. Saskia is not on any files, except in the medical records at Dr Strong's GP practice. But Torchwood's priorities lie elsewhere: investigating ghostly apparitions in South Wales, they have found a dead body. It's old and in an advanced state of decay. And it's still able to talk. And what is is saying is "Water hag"....
So this is the first Torchwood book I have read, and it won't be the last! The book was very well written and could easily be made into an episode. It kept the same style as the programme itself - fast paced, interesting storyline, sharp wit. It was a bit predictable, but I find that with Torchwood anyway. Normally books like this would not be my thing, but I think the fact I like Torchwood and the way it is written really helped me to enjoy it. A slightly biased review, but a review nonetheless :)
- Mood: happy
- Mood:
disappointed - Music:The Killers ~ Sam's Town
Title: Who Shot JFK?
Author: Robin Ramsay
Pages: 158
Genre: Historical, non-fiction
Summary: The Kennedy assassination remains the greatest whodunit of the post-World War Two era - now this short book looks at the assassination through the work of the researchers who have refused to buy the official cover-up story that Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin.
My Thoughts: Good book, very interesting, BUT not the best book to read as the first one one JFK. Ramsey was very set on who he thought had done, and tol you so in the first chapter, so nearly everything was geared towards proving that.
I would like to read more about this, but more of a general one rather that than one set to prove the authors theory. Anyone know any good ones?
Title: Border Princes
Author: Dan Abnett
Pages: 254
Genre: Sci-fi/TV show
Summary:The Amok is driving people out of their minds, turning them into zombies and causing riots in the streets. Everyone has a headache, the Principal must be protected, there's something in Davey Morgan's shed; and the church of St Mary-In-The-Dust, demolished in 1840, had reappeared. Torchwood seem out of their depth. What will all this mean for the romance between Torchwood's newest members?
My Thoughts: I'm hardly the most critical when it comes to anything to do with Torchwood, so I enjoyed this! It was VERY similar to one of the S2 episodes. I won't say which one cause it kind of gives the plot away and someone spoilt it for me, although in all honesty I had already worked it out. It's not exactly the most intricate of plots, haha.
But very enjoyable, I liked it :D
Title: Pyramid
Author: Tom Martin
Pages: 437
Genre: I have no idea... Da Vinchi Code bandwagon. Haha.
Summary: Catherine Donovan refuses to believe Professor Kent killed himself - especially after she recieves a cryptic note sent just before he dies, along with a collection of anciet maps. Temaing up with classicist James Rutherford she embarks on a journey which takes them from the spires of Oxford to the ancient wonder of Egypt and Peru.
My Thoughts: I actually quite enjoyed this. I like reading about Egypt and this had a lot about it! The only real problem I have with this is that it doesn't have an author's note or historical note at the back, so I have no idea if he made it up or if it's actually a theory in the real world, as I'm too lazy to do my own research!
Also, I'm angry with myself cause I'm so behind. This time last year I wasalmost 10 books ahead of this. But then last year I was in school with a lot of free's and not actaully doing any revising, haha. Now I'm working almost full time and I knackered when I get home. Also I'm not reading in work, I'm watching Dr Who as one episode fits nicely in my breaks :D
I'll catch up though!
( This years books )
Total Books: 29
Total Pages: 11048
Currently Reading: I'm sort of reading Nicholas Nickleby, but I've lost interest in it. Might try again with it later!
Next Up: Henry VIII by Alison Weir
Author: Robin Ramsay
Pages: 158
Genre: Historical, non-fiction
Summary: The Kennedy assassination remains the greatest whodunit of the post-World War Two era - now this short book looks at the assassination through the work of the researchers who have refused to buy the official cover-up story that Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin.
My Thoughts: Good book, very interesting, BUT not the best book to read as the first one one JFK. Ramsey was very set on who he thought had done, and tol you so in the first chapter, so nearly everything was geared towards proving that.
I would like to read more about this, but more of a general one rather that than one set to prove the authors theory. Anyone know any good ones?
Title: Border Princes
Author: Dan Abnett
Pages: 254
Genre: Sci-fi/TV show
Summary:The Amok is driving people out of their minds, turning them into zombies and causing riots in the streets. Everyone has a headache, the Principal must be protected, there's something in Davey Morgan's shed; and the church of St Mary-In-The-Dust, demolished in 1840, had reappeared. Torchwood seem out of their depth. What will all this mean for the romance between Torchwood's newest members?
My Thoughts: I'm hardly the most critical when it comes to anything to do with Torchwood, so I enjoyed this! It was VERY similar to one of the S2 episodes. I won't say which one cause it kind of gives the plot away and someone spoilt it for me, although in all honesty I had already worked it out. It's not exactly the most intricate of plots, haha.
But very enjoyable, I liked it :D
Title: Pyramid
Author: Tom Martin
Pages: 437
Genre: I have no idea... Da Vinchi Code bandwagon. Haha.
Summary: Catherine Donovan refuses to believe Professor Kent killed himself - especially after she recieves a cryptic note sent just before he dies, along with a collection of anciet maps. Temaing up with classicist James Rutherford she embarks on a journey which takes them from the spires of Oxford to the ancient wonder of Egypt and Peru.
My Thoughts: I actually quite enjoyed this. I like reading about Egypt and this had a lot about it! The only real problem I have with this is that it doesn't have an author's note or historical note at the back, so I have no idea if he made it up or if it's actually a theory in the real world, as I'm too lazy to do my own research!
Also, I'm angry with myself cause I'm so behind. This time last year I wasalmost 10 books ahead of this. But then last year I was in school with a lot of free's and not actaully doing any revising, haha. Now I'm working almost full time and I knackered when I get home. Also I'm not reading in work, I'm watching Dr Who as one episode fits nicely in my breaks :D
I'll catch up though!
( This years books )
Total Books: 29
Total Pages: 11048
Currently Reading: I'm sort of reading Nicholas Nickleby, but I've lost interest in it. Might try again with it later!
Next Up: Henry VIII by Alison Weir
38. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini (Modern lit, 371 pages)
39. Monty Python's Flying Circus, by Marcia Landy (Television, 103 pages)
40. Pink Floyd and Philosophy, by George A. Reisch (Music, Philosophy; 278 pages)
41. My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL, by Dan Rooney (Sport, Memoir; 330 pages)
42. The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams (Sci-fi, 815 pages)
On deck: I Am America (And So Can You!), by Stephen Colbert
42 / 50 books. 84% done!
14643 / 15000 pages. 98% done!
( Thoughts )
39. Monty Python's Flying Circus, by Marcia Landy (Television, 103 pages)
40. Pink Floyd and Philosophy, by George A. Reisch (Music, Philosophy; 278 pages)
41. My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL, by Dan Rooney (Sport, Memoir; 330 pages)
42. The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams (Sci-fi, 815 pages)
On deck: I Am America (And So Can You!), by Stephen Colbert
( Thoughts )
- Mood: chipper
- Music:Led Zeppelin - "What Is and What Should Never Be"
Title: The Twilight Streets
Author: Gary Russell
Pages: 253
Genre: Sci-Fi/TV show
Summary: There's a part of the city that no one much goes to, a rundown collection of old houses and gloomy streets. Now the council is renovating it - there will be street parties and events o show of the new neighbourhood: clowns, face-painting and magicians.
none of this is Torchwod's problem until Tosh recognises the sponser - Bilis Manger. Now there is something for Torchwood to investigate, but Jack can't go near the area - it makes him ill. Without his help the teammust face the darker side of Cardiff alone.
My Thoughts: Very, very nice! And lots of Ianto to keep me happy. I love Bilis Manger and him back in the episodes, so I'm so glad he was the baddy in this one!
Title: Another Life
Author: Peter Anghelides
Pages: 480
Genre: Sci-Fi/TV show
Summary: In a terrifying amount of rain the cities homeless are being murdered. Tracked down by Torchwood the killer drops 8 storeys to his death, but the killings don't stop. Their investigations lead to a monster in the bathroom, a mystery at the army base and a hunt for missing nuclear fuel rods.
My Thoughts: Again, very, very nice. I love these Torchwod books. They keep me happy when the show makes me sad. This one I had to buy the audiobook for as JB reads it <33. This book I thought was fantastic. These ones are set in series one, and this one was written so well!
Title: Emperor – The Gates Of Rome
Author: Conn Iggulden
Pages: 624
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: The novel tells the story of Julius Caesar, he who would become the greatest Roman of them all. This shows the ambitous young man facing his first great test.
My Thoughts: So, we won't talk about how long it took me to actually realize it was about Caesar... I didn't read the back, and it doesn't call him Julius or Caesar for the first 450 pages, ok?! But aside from that it is a fantastic book. Definatley reccommend it!
Title: Imperium
Author: Robert Harris
Pages: 480
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Anciet Rome - 'a city of glory built on a river of filth' - teems with ambitious and ruthless men. None is more billiant than Marcus Cicero. A rising young lawyer, backed by a shrewd wife, he decides to gamble everything on of the most dramatic courtroom battles of all time. Win it, and he could win control of Rome itself. Lose it, and he is finished forever.
My Thoughts: Very, very good. I love Robert Harris' writing style and I love books about Rome, so this was a win-win for me! I think I might like Pompeii by him a bit better, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
( This years books )
Total Books: 26
Total Pages: 10199
Currently Reading: None
Next Up: An Elizabeth Chadwick book I think!
Anyone know any more good novels about Ancient Rome?
Author: Gary Russell
Pages: 253
Genre: Sci-Fi/TV show
Summary: There's a part of the city that no one much goes to, a rundown collection of old houses and gloomy streets. Now the council is renovating it - there will be street parties and events o show of the new neighbourhood: clowns, face-painting and magicians.
none of this is Torchwod's problem until Tosh recognises the sponser - Bilis Manger. Now there is something for Torchwood to investigate, but Jack can't go near the area - it makes him ill. Without his help the teammust face the darker side of Cardiff alone.
My Thoughts: Very, very nice! And lots of Ianto to keep me happy. I love Bilis Manger and him back in the episodes, so I'm so glad he was the baddy in this one!
Title: Another Life
Author: Peter Anghelides
Pages: 480
Genre: Sci-Fi/TV show
Summary: In a terrifying amount of rain the cities homeless are being murdered. Tracked down by Torchwood the killer drops 8 storeys to his death, but the killings don't stop. Their investigations lead to a monster in the bathroom, a mystery at the army base and a hunt for missing nuclear fuel rods.
My Thoughts: Again, very, very nice. I love these Torchwod books. They keep me happy when the show makes me sad. This one I had to buy the audiobook for as JB reads it <33. This book I thought was fantastic. These ones are set in series one, and this one was written so well!
Title: Emperor – The Gates Of Rome
Author: Conn Iggulden
Pages: 624
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: The novel tells the story of Julius Caesar, he who would become the greatest Roman of them all. This shows the ambitous young man facing his first great test.
My Thoughts: So, we won't talk about how long it took me to actually realize it was about Caesar... I didn't read the back, and it doesn't call him Julius or Caesar for the first 450 pages, ok?! But aside from that it is a fantastic book. Definatley reccommend it!
Title: Imperium
Author: Robert Harris
Pages: 480
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Anciet Rome - 'a city of glory built on a river of filth' - teems with ambitious and ruthless men. None is more billiant than Marcus Cicero. A rising young lawyer, backed by a shrewd wife, he decides to gamble everything on of the most dramatic courtroom battles of all time. Win it, and he could win control of Rome itself. Lose it, and he is finished forever.
My Thoughts: Very, very good. I love Robert Harris' writing style and I love books about Rome, so this was a win-win for me! I think I might like Pompeii by him a bit better, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
( This years books )
Total Books: 26
Total Pages: 10199
Currently Reading: None
Next Up: An Elizabeth Chadwick book I think!
Anyone know any more good novels about Ancient Rome?
- Music:Roxie - Chicago
Doctor Who: Forever Autumn by Mark Morris (2007)
I don't tend to read much in the way of novelisations these days, but I won this one in last year's FantasyCon raffle, and Mark Morris is a safe pair of hands, and the new series of Doctor Who was starting, so I thought I'd read this to get me in the mood.
Of course, it's not autumn, but I couldn't expect the timing to be absolutely perfect...
It may not be autumn where I am, but it's nearly time for the Hallowe'en Carnival in the small American town of Blackwood Falls. And the monsters are coming out to play: nine-foot-tall ones with pumpkin-like heads and seemingly magical powers of possession and control. Along come the Doctor and his companion, Martha Jones, and the truth is revealed: the creatures aren't supernatural but (of course) aliens called the Hervoken, who crash-landed there long ago and became the stuff of legend. Their science looks like magic to us, and they draw power from human terror. They're planning to go home, but need large amounts of power to do so -- which is bad news for the people of Blackwood Falls. Can the Doctor and Martha save the day? Silly question!
Any story based on a TV series has to get the programme's characters right, and I think Morris captures the manic energy of the Tenth Doctor perfectly; his depiction of Martha perhaps isn't quite so distinctive, but I still found it easy to imagine David Tennant and Freema Agyeman acting out their roles in this story. It's also good fun, Morris writes some vigorous action sequences... That's the good news.
The bad news is that there isn't as much dramatic tension as there ought to be. Morris relies too much on the (apparently) endless functionality of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver as a means to get out of almost any difficulty; and he doesn't place enough restrictions on the Hervoken's abilities, either. In effect, both sides can do whatever they want -- and the story is weakened as a result. So, Forever Autumn is a decent enough romp, but that's about it.
I don't tend to read much in the way of novelisations these days, but I won this one in last year's FantasyCon raffle, and Mark Morris is a safe pair of hands, and the new series of Doctor Who was starting, so I thought I'd read this to get me in the mood.
Of course, it's not autumn, but I couldn't expect the timing to be absolutely perfect...
It may not be autumn where I am, but it's nearly time for the Hallowe'en Carnival in the small American town of Blackwood Falls. And the monsters are coming out to play: nine-foot-tall ones with pumpkin-like heads and seemingly magical powers of possession and control. Along come the Doctor and his companion, Martha Jones, and the truth is revealed: the creatures aren't supernatural but (of course) aliens called the Hervoken, who crash-landed there long ago and became the stuff of legend. Their science looks like magic to us, and they draw power from human terror. They're planning to go home, but need large amounts of power to do so -- which is bad news for the people of Blackwood Falls. Can the Doctor and Martha save the day? Silly question!
Any story based on a TV series has to get the programme's characters right, and I think Morris captures the manic energy of the Tenth Doctor perfectly; his depiction of Martha perhaps isn't quite so distinctive, but I still found it easy to imagine David Tennant and Freema Agyeman acting out their roles in this story. It's also good fun, Morris writes some vigorous action sequences... That's the good news.
The bad news is that there isn't as much dramatic tension as there ought to be. Morris relies too much on the (apparently) endless functionality of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver as a means to get out of almost any difficulty; and he doesn't place enough restrictions on the Hervoken's abilities, either. In effect, both sides can do whatever they want -- and the story is weakened as a result. So, Forever Autumn is a decent enough romp, but that's about it.
11 - ( Buffy #12: Wolves at the Gate pt. 1 )
12 - ( Purposes of Love, by Mary Renault )
13 - ( Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell )
14 - ( Gossip Girl 2: You Know You Love Me )
Now I'm reading Chemistry by Lewis DeSimone. I've just started it and so far it's very good. I think it's going to be about some sort of drug problem between a gay couple, or something like that.
Oh, I also wanted to add that one of my favourite books ever, Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley, has been made into a movie, and there's a community for the book/movie discussion here:dreamboyfans (hopefully it's ok to link to it, if not I will remove it upon request)
12 - ( Purposes of Love, by Mary Renault )
13 - ( Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell )
14 - ( Gossip Girl 2: You Know You Love Me )
Now I'm reading Chemistry by Lewis DeSimone. I've just started it and so far it's very good. I think it's going to be about some sort of drug problem between a gay couple, or something like that.
Oh, I also wanted to add that one of my favourite books ever, Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley, has been made into a movie, and there's a community for the book/movie discussion here:
dreamboyfans (hopefully it's ok to link to it, if not I will remove it upon request)- Mood: peaceful
- Music:Nelly Furtado ~ Powerless
Book #27 -- Gareth Roberts, Doctor Who: Only Human, 251 pages.
Not nearly up to the standard of the other ones. It had some good original characters and a pretty neat premise, but the plot itself had holes you could sail the Titanic through. It bugged me the whole time. Plus, not much Jack. And I like Jack.
Progress toward goals: 91/366 = 25.0%
Books: 27/150 = 18.0%
Pages: 7928/50000 = 15.9%
2008 Book List
cross-posted to50bookchallenge, 15000pages, and gwynraven
Not nearly up to the standard of the other ones. It had some good original characters and a pretty neat premise, but the plot itself had holes you could sail the Titanic through. It bugged me the whole time. Plus, not much Jack. And I like Jack.
Progress toward goals: 91/366 = 25.0%
Books: 27/150 = 18.0%
Pages: 7928/50000 = 15.9%
2008 Book List
cross-posted to
50bookchallenge, 15000pages, and gwynraven[Books 1-4]
[Books 5-7]
8. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
9. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
10. Doctor Who 5: Only Human by Gareth Roberts
11. Persuasion by Jane Austen (Audiobook)
12. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
First things first - HAPPY EASTER! :)
( Cut for potential spoilers )
[Books 5-7]
8. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
9. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
10. Doctor Who 5: Only Human by Gareth Roberts
11. Persuasion by Jane Austen (Audiobook)
12. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
First things first - HAPPY EASTER! :)
( Cut for potential spoilers )
Title: Blood on the Sun
Author: Stuart M. Kaminsky
Pages: 307
Rating: 2.5/5...ish
From the back of the book: "A modest home in a suburban Queens neighborhood is the unlikely site of a grisly crime scene: a married couple and their daughter are found brutally murdered. Missing from the scene is the couple's young son, and Mac Taylor and Danny Messer soon uncover signs of a possible kidnapping. Can they find him before it's too late?
In a heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, the body of a devoutly religious man is found ritually displayed on the floor of his synagogue. Stella Bonasera and Aiden Burn initially suspect a fringe fundamentalist group that has had run-ins with the victim's congregation, but the group is led by a charismatic and antagonistic man who does everything he can to stonewall the team's investigation."
My thoughts: This just wasn't that good. The writing was often awkward and clunky. The author would suddenly stop and explain some scientific thing to me that was completely unnecessary. If I know enough about DNA to watch the show, then I can read the book without the author breaking his already-questionable flow to tell me what DNA actually stands for. Danny felt out of character. Stella's storyline really intrigued me until we "solved" it, and I was left unsatisfied and mildly confused. It felt like parts of it wanted to turn into a thriller with conspiracy theories, but it couldn't quite get there. Jane Parsons was kind of thrown in there, as though the author wanted to do more with her and explore her relationship with Mac Taylor, but never really got around to it. And there was almost no Mac/Stella interaction, which I find very odd and out of character. And there were no light moments, really. When you watch the show, there is always some banter...but not here. And poor Hawkes seemed like he was banished to the autopsies, and not allowed to play with the other CSIs. The only thing I really did enjoy was the arrest scene near the end, because there was FINALLY some action.
Didn't do too badly last month, especially compared to last year.
February
7. Dorothy and Agatha -- Gaylord Larsen
8. Back Home -- Michelle Magorian
9. The Waltons: The Easter Story -- Robert Weverka
10. Doctor Who: The Last Dodo -- Jacqueline Rayner (audiobook)
11. Matilda and Her Family -- Miriam E. Mason (children's book)
12. The Worst Witch -- Jill Murphy (audiobook)
13. The Mermaids Singing -- Val McDermid
14. Sarah Jane Adventures: The Thirteenth Stone – Justin Richards (audiobook)
15. Anything Goes – John Barrowman with Carole E. Barrowman (audiobook)
16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares
( Time Lords, witches, serial killers, John-Boy, world-weary jeans and more… )
50 book challenge
16 / 50 (32.00%)
February
7. Dorothy and Agatha -- Gaylord Larsen
8. Back Home -- Michelle Magorian
9. The Waltons: The Easter Story -- Robert Weverka
10. Doctor Who: The Last Dodo -- Jacqueline Rayner (audiobook)
11. Matilda and Her Family -- Miriam E. Mason (children's book)
12. The Worst Witch -- Jill Murphy (audiobook)
13. The Mermaids Singing -- Val McDermid
14. Sarah Jane Adventures: The Thirteenth Stone – Justin Richards (audiobook)
15. Anything Goes – John Barrowman with Carole E. Barrowman (audiobook)
16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares
( Time Lords, witches, serial killers, John-Boy, world-weary jeans and more… )
16 / 50 (32.00%)
- Mood: content
- Music:will.I.am ~ I Got It From My Mama
Well I haven't posted once this year, it's about time that I did.
1) ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #10 - Anywhere But Here )
2) ( The Blind Season by Ronald L Donaghe )
3) ( Angel #3 - After the Fall pt 3 )
4) ( Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline )
5) ( Thunder Bay by William Kent Krueger )
6) ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #11 - A Beautiful Sunset )
7) ( The Secret History by Donna Tartt )
8) ( Someday this Pain will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron )
Now I'm reading My Drowning by Jim Grimsley, and of course it's awesome.
1) ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #10 - Anywhere But Here )
2) ( The Blind Season by Ronald L Donaghe )
3) ( Angel #3 - After the Fall pt 3 )
4) ( Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline )
5) ( Thunder Bay by William Kent Krueger )
6) ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer #11 - A Beautiful Sunset )
7) ( The Secret History by Donna Tartt )
8) ( Someday this Pain will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron )
Now I'm reading My Drowning by Jim Grimsley, and of course it's awesome.
- Mood: bored
- Music:Bright Eyes ~ Don't Know When But A Day Is Gonna Come
This is from the beginning of January. I just haven't done much reading this year -- at least, outside of school.
#1 - No Mate for the Magpie by Frances Molloy
Irish lit
170 pages
I'm taking an Irish lit class, which is the only reason I read this. I'm really glad I was forced, since I loved it. I laughed a couple times a chapter. But if I hadn't been assigned to it, I wouldn't have picked it up at all, since it's written in dialect. Quite easy to read dialect, once you get the hang of it, but dialect nonetheless.
#2 - Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Fantasy
362 pages
This is a re-read, but just as enjoyable the second t
#1 - No Mate for the Magpie by Frances Molloy
Irish lit
170 pages
I'm taking an Irish lit class, which is the only reason I read this. I'm really glad I was forced, since I loved it. I laughed a couple times a chapter. But if I hadn't been assigned to it, I wouldn't have picked it up at all, since it's written in dialect. Quite easy to read dialect, once you get the hang of it, but dialect nonetheless.
#2 - Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Fantasy
362 pages
This is a re-read, but just as enjoyable the second t