tbr-reading-challenge discussion

COMPLETED

In no particular order these are the books I would like to be done with by the end of December (I will post my next list then).

1. Summer Sisters: Judy BlumeDONE 12/14/08
2. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea:Chelsea HandlerDONE 12/14/08
3. The Princess Diaries:Meg CabotDONE 12/24/08
4. Blueberry Muffin Murder:Joanne FlukeDONE 12/19/08
5. Suite 606:J.D. RobbDONE 12/20/08
6. Nights in Rodanthe:Nicholas SparksDONE 12/16/08
7. Don't You Forget About Me: Contemporary Writers on the Films of John Hughes:Jaime ClarkeDONE 12/29/08
8. Eclipse:Stephenie MeyerDONE 12/27/08
9. Two Little Girls in Blue: A Novel:Mary Higgins ClarkDONE 12/31/08
10. The Catcher in the Rye:J.D. SalingerDONE 12/29/08


**I edited this from January to December; the rate at which I was reading made this necessary. I will post another list for the end of January.**

Great list, Heather! I loved Nights in Rodanthe. And I hope to get Eclipse read by the end of January, too!

Hi Heather - Nights in Rodanthe was really good, and it's a fast read! I loved The Catcher in the Rye too, it's one of my favorites of all time!

Brandie - I have become quite the fan of Nicholas Sparks (which was surprising). I have enjoyed many of his books and expect the same with this one. Plus I would like to see the movie and I make it a point to read the book first.

Allison - I have a hard time with many books people have deemed "classics" but have been trying to give them a chance. I am hoping this one proves a little better than some of the others I have tried.

I'm sorry to hear that - what others have you tried? I really liked J.D. Salinger, he's one of very few authors that I've read everything he's written. I think he has a certain style that you either love or hate!

I tried reading 1984; I couldn't even finish that one. I read Breakfast At Tiffany's but am not as impressed as others. I have read To Kill A Mockingbird and found that one to be one of the more enjoyable. I have many others on my list and am hoping for a little more success.

ugh, I'm with you on 1984. I haven't read Breakfast At Tiffany's, I liked Mockingbird but I kinda liked the movie better. Good luck with the rest!!

COMPLETED

January TBR List

1. A Bend in the Road by Nicholas SparksDONE 01/03/09
2. Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts DONE 01/07/09
3. The Fidelity Files by Jessica Brody DONE 01/01/09
4. The Gilmore Girls: Other Side of Summer by Amy Sherman-Palladino DONE 01/04/09
5. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke DONE 01/08/09
6. Marked by P.C. Cast DONE 01/12/09
7. Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Don Van RynDONE 01/04/09
8. My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson DONE 01/11/09
9. Salem Falls by Jodi PicoultDONE 01/11/09
10. About Alice by Calvin Trillin DONE 01/03/09

*Comments always welcome*

Wow, congrats on plowing through your books so fast! Do you ever get distracted from your complied list? Despite picking 6 books to read in December, I've read 13 in total and pnly 5 were from my original list :P

The only book from your January list which I've read is Salem Falls, and I found it really interesting, especially as I'd read The Crucible, which it's loosely based on. It's not my favourite Jodi Picoult novel but it is her typical style and an excellent read :)

What did you think of Eclipse? I read Twilight and really liked it, and although I liked New Moon I got fed up with it at several places so was in two minds about reading the third one. They're not my normal sort of book but they have a sort of hypnotic thing about them which makes me want to keep reading... :)

Rachel wrote: "Wow, congrats on plowing through your books so fast! Do you ever get distracted from your complied list? Despite picking 6 books to read in December, I've read 13 in total and pnly 5 were from my o..."

Thanks!! I joined this group to help me focus. Normally, I never stick to a list. So far I have, but I am sure I will start to stray after awhile. Hopefully, I will be able to steer my way back, but who knows!!

I started Salem Falls awhile ago and could not get into it for the life of me. Things have since calmed down and I am hoping to knock it out. My favorites of Picoults books have been My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, and Plain Truth. I have read some others that were just not my thing.

I loved Twilight. Thought New Moon was so-so, and had high hopes for Eclipse from different feedback I receieved. However, I will say that I was disappointed and felt it was closer to New Moon in ranking than Twilight. I felt it was dragged out, and some of the focus in the book seemed all over the place. I already own Breaking Dawn, so will finish that in the coming months.

I agree, making lists is making me focus more. I started listing books back in October and it's taken me until this month to really commit myself to reading *first* what is on my list and then other books, but it's finally working! :)

Nineteen Minutes and Plain Truth are two of my favourites as well, so maybe Salem Falls will grow on you? It's not as gripping as the other two, more...interesting, I guess. Which were the books which you didn't like? I found the characters in The Pact and Mercy really irritating and unlikeable, so although I loved Jodi's style of writing and wanted to find out what would happen, it was a bit of a chore to read because of the characters.

Hmm, if it's closer to New Moon I think I'll order in a copy from the library instead of buying one.

Thanks for the friend request! We do seem to have really similar tastes in books. I've only recently realised that my profile is private (I'm under 18 and it's some sort of GR rule) so people can't compare books without befriending me. I suppose it is good, though, as I had some old guy add me the other week for no apparent reason, so I've started questioning people. And I thought I'd be perfectly safe on a book-related website! :P

Rachel wrote: "I agree, making lists is making me focus more. I started listing books back in October and it's taken me until this month to really commit myself to reading *first* what is on my list and then othe..."

The Picoult books which I did not care for were; The Tenth Circle (HATED it!!), and Change of Heart (just didn't do it for me). To me the Tenth Circle was just hideous; I really had to force myself through that one. Change of Heart just lacked something important; I am not sure what but it left me feeling dissatisfied with it as a whole.

My opinion is definitely that Eclipse is closer to New Moon. I think I had really high expectations after Twilight.

I have noticed a lot of people have gone Private recently. I can understand for under 18. Otherwise, I don't really see a need as long as you are not posting a ton of personal info. Although, I can see the benefit of avoiding weird people. Usually, when I get a request I will compare books. As long as we have a good amount in common I will approve. I like getting suggestions and seeing what other people are reading.

I have been getting a lot of friend requests lately from people who have no books, or books which are so opposite of my own tastes that it just seems odd. Overall though, I have befriended some good people and gotten way TOO many ideas.

COMPLETED

January TBR-List (Part 2)

I finished my list more quickly than I anticipated so I am going to add a few more and will start doing so every month.

**Still to be finished by the end of January**

1. Sliver of Truth: A Novel by Lisa Unger DONE 01/21/09
2. Step on a Crack by James Patterson DONE 01/14/09
3. Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot DONE 01/21/09
4. The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky DONE 01/14/09
5. So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld DONE 01/16/09
6. The It Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar DONE 01/23/09
7. Bone Volume 1 Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith DONE 01/25/09
8. Secrets of the Hollywood Girls Club by Maggie Marr DONE 01/25/09
9. Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath DONE 01/28/09
10. You Just Can't Get Enough by Cecily von Ziegesar DONE 01/29/09
11. If I Am Missing or Dead A Sister's Story of Love, Murder, and Liberation by Janine Latus DONE 01/30/09

COMPLETED

**This month was barely finished and I only made it by swapping out a lot of my first choices, I am hoping to have more focus in March.**

February TBR List

1. The Associate by John Grisham DONE 02/05/09
2. Three To Get Deadly by Janet EvanovichDONE 02/22/09
3. Shopgirl A Novella by Steve MartinDONE 02/28/09
4. The Pre-Nup by Beth Kendrick DONE 02/10/09
5. Bone Volume 2 The Great Cow Race by Jeff SmithDONE 02/24/09
6. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine HarrisDONE 02/27/09
7. The Reader by Bernhard SchlinkDONE 02/22/09
8. Touch Me, I'm Sick The 52 Creepiest Love Songs You've Ever Heard by Tom ReynoldsDONE 02/21/09
9. Odd Mom Out by Jane PorterDONE 02/27/09
10. The Last Summer by Ann BrasharesDONE 02/24/09
11. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie MeyerDONE 02/20/09
12. Love Story by Erich Segal DONE 02/25/09
13. Heart-Shaped Box A Novel by Joe Hill DONE 02/16/09
14. The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer by Andy RuntonDONE 02/28/09


*Comments always welcome*

COMPLETED

March TBR List


1. Alphabet Weekends Love on the Road from A to Z by Elizabeth Noble DONE 03/01/09
2. Big Boned by Meg Cabot DONE 03/10/09
3. The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik DONE 03/05/09
4. Trust Me by Brenda NovakDONE 03/27/09
5. Dope by Sara Gran DONE 03/07/09
6. Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. DONE 03/06/09
7. Notorious by Cecily von Ziegesar DONE 03/04/09
8. Beaches by Iris Rainer Dart DONE 03/08/09
9. Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke DONE 03/12/09
10. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier DONE 03/09/09
11. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David SedarisDONE 03/03/09
12. Vox by Nicholson Baker DONE 03/07/09
13. Betrayed by P.C. CastDONE 03/02/09
14. Promise Not to Tell A Novel by Jennifer McMahonDONE 03/31/09
15. I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne GreenbergDONE 03/23/09
16. Shooting Stars 1-4 by V.C. AndrewsDONE 03/31/09
17. Eat Cake by Jeanne RayDONE 03/29/09
18. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie KinsellaDONE 03/25/09
19. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter DONE 03/18/09

COMPLETED

April TBR List


1. The Sex Club by L.J. Sellers DONE 04/06/09
2. Girls Night In by Lauren Henderson DONE 04/06/09
3. Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks DONE 04/02/09
4. Then She Found Me by Elinor Lipman DONE 04/20/09
5. Mercy by Jodi PicoultDONE 04/23/09
6. When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David SedarisDONE 04/05/09
7. Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne FlukeDONE 04/29/09
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. RowlingDONE 04/26/09
9. I Like You by Amy Sedaris DONE 04/08/09
10. Dear John by Nicholas SparksDONE 04/24/09
11. Sloppy Firsts A Novel by Megan McCafferty DONE 04/05/09
12. Follow the Stars Home by Luanne RiceDONE 04/26/09
13. Bone Volume 3 Eyes of the Storm by Jeff SmithDONE 04/20/09
14. Penny Arcade Volume 5 by Jerry HolkinsDONE 04/25/09
15. Mommywood by Tori Spelling DONE 04/22/09
16. Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff LindsayDONE 04/25/09

COMPLETED

May TBR List


1. Tribute by Nora Roberts DONE 05/05/09
2. Promises in Death by J.D. Robb DONE 05/13/09
3. Penny Arcade Volume 4 Birds Are Weird by Jerry Holkins DONE 05/07/09
4. Second Helpings A Novel by Megan McCafferty DONE 05/06/09
5. Private by Kate Brian DONE 05/28/09
6. Bone Volume 4 The Dragonslayer by Jeff Smith DONE 05/11/09
7. Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs DONE 05/16/09
8. Naked Pictures of Famous People by Jon Stewart DONE 05/05/09
9. Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr DONE 05/01/09
10. The Chocolate Cat Caper by JoAnna Carl DONE 05/26/09
11. The Funeral Planner by Lynn Isenberg DONE 05/15/09
12. Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern DONE 05/30/09
13. The Pact A Love Story by Jodi Picoult DONE 05/30/09

COMPLETED

June TBR List


1. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott DONE 06/07/09
2. Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay DONE 06/10/09
3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury DONE 06/07/09
4. Audition A Memoir by Barbara Walters DONE 06/05/09
5. Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella DONE 06/11/09
6. Night by Elie Wiesel DONE 06/12/09
7. The Gift A Novel by Richard Paul Evans DONE 06/06/09
8. 8th Confession by James Patterson DONE 06/07/09
9. Lady Boss by Jackie Collins DONE 06/17/09
10. Joyride by Lindsay Faith Rech DONE 06/07/09
11. The Love You Make An Insider's Story of the Beatles by Steven Gaines DONE 06/15/09
12. Sisters by Danielle Steel DONE 06/16/09
13. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote DONE 06/20/09
14. Holes by Louis SacharDONE 06/18/09
15. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews DONE 06/22/09
16. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith DONE 06/27/09
17. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff KinneyDONE 06/22/09
18. Zombie Blondes by Brian James DONE 06/27/09
19. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling DONE 06/28/09
20. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain DONE 06/29/09

You have read some really good books so far this year. Also have given me some ideas of books to look into to see if I will like them as well. Looking forward to seeing what you read next...

Ivy wrote: "You have read some really good books so far this year. Also have given me some ideas of books to look into to see if I will like them as well. Looking forward to seeing what you read next..."

Thanks for the comment. I try to read a variety of books and am glad I have given you some ideas. Would love to see what you think of some of them.

COMPLETED

July TBR List


1. Glass by Ellen Hopkins DONE 07/06/09
2. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen DONE 07/11/09
3. Vision In White by Nora Roberts DONE 07/09/09
4. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith DONE 07/08/09
5. Drive Me Crazy by Nancy Warren DONE 07/18/09
6. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner DONE 07/21/09
7. Dirty Martini by J.A. Konrath DONE 07/22/09
8. Girls' Night Out by Carole Matthews DONE 07/30/09
9. Honeymoon by James Patterson DONE 07/19/09
10. The Cove by Catherine Coulter DONE 07/12/09
11. Garlic and Sapphires The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl DONE 07/24/09
12. Coraline by Neil Gaiman DONE 07/14/09

COMPLETED

August TBR List


1. The Falling Woman by Pat Murphy DONE 08/08/09
2. Good Grief by Lolly Winston DONE 08/08/09
3. To Catch a Husband An Ex-Wives Novel by Lindsay Graves DONE 08/07/09
4. Book Lust Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nancy Pearl DONE 08/03/09
5. This Common Secret My Journey as an Abortion Doctor by Susan Wicklund DONE 08/07/09
6. No Limits The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps DONE 08/08/09
7. The Floating World by Cynthia Gralla DONE 08/12/09
8. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield DONE 08/23/09
9. Hotel Pastis A Novel of Provence by Peter Mayle DONE 08/18/09
10. Obama From Promise to Power by David Mendell DONE 08/30/09
11. Murder at Fenway Park by Troy Soos DONE 08/02/09
12. Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes DONE 08/12/09
13. Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman DONE 08/10/09
14. Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita DONE 08/04/09
15. The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun DONE 08/05/09
16. Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke DONE 08/09/08
17. User ID A Novel of Identity Theft by Jenefer Shute DONE 08/13/09
18. Candy Apple Dead by Sammi Carter DONE 08/18/09
19. The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz DONE 08/18/09

COMPLETED


September TBR List


1. Dewey The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron DONE 09/10/09
2. Swimsuit by James PattersonDONE 09/20/09
3. Smashed Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren ZailckasDONE 09/24/09
4. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray BradburyDONE 09/28/09
5. Looking for Alaska by Looking for AlaskaDONE 09/23/09
6. The Truth About Forever by Sarah DessenDONE 09/23/09
7. @Home For The Holidays by Meredith EfkenDONE 09/30/09
8. Perfume The Story of a Murderer by Patrick SüskindDONE 09/29/09
9. Perfect Match by Jodi PicoultDONE 09/28/09
10. Every Freaking! Day With Rachell Ray by Elizabeth Hilts DONE 09/19/09
11. Take a Chance on Me by Cecily von Ziegesar DONE 09/21/09

*edited*COMPLETED

October TBR List


1. Everything Must Go by Elizabeth FlockDONE 10/01/09
2. Forever in Blue The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann BrasharesDONE 10/8/09
3. The Face of Deception by Iris JohansenDONE 10/08/09
4. The Body by Stephen KingDONE 10/01/09

*edited* COMPLETED

November TBR List


1. Twenties Girl A Novel by Sophie Kinsella DONE 11/08/09
2. Pretty in Plaid A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase by Jen LancasterDONE 11/16/09

December TBR List



1. Bed of Roses by Nora RobertsDONE 12/13/09
2. Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb