Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Review: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards


The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



While not overly thrilled with this book it was a nice light read. The pace for me was good and neither to fast nor to slow.



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Monday, November 26, 2012

Review: Reached


Reached
Reached by Ally Condie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



yes 5 stars but more for the overall series but 4 1/2 for this book why???

Where do i start? to me this book had a nice mix love,lost,longing and letting go. i would reccommend this book over the others in the series but you must read them all.


p.s. who is the pilot? i never caught that.



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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Buddy Read Questions Part Six

Questions and Comments for Chapters 21 - 25
56) I don't know about anyone else, but I kind of liked the scene where Seraphina is so overcome with anguish and self loathing, that she tries to pry her scales off. Not that I like her self mutilating, but I liked how it showed how much being half dragon affected her. What did you think?
57) Just what Seraphina needed on top of everything else, Ardmagar finding out who and what she was and getting her uncle in trouble. Orma is her rock. Can you imagine having a family member erased from your memory? It's appalling. I guess that would be an effective means of controlling your people. Wipe their minds when they misbehave. Makes you wonder how many they've done it to?
58) Sounds like there is a whole lot of treachery going on. General Akara infiltated the Goreddi knights and got them bannished. Plus, her father and others are plotting against Ardmagar. Since the initial conversation happened years ago, do you think the plot didn't work or just hasn't had enough time to achieve its goal?
59) What did you think of the sniff test by the saarantrai and the jab test to see if people bled silver? Could this be why there is a blood stain on the cover or do you think someone will die?
60) What did you think of Lady Corongi and Princess Dionne's attack on Seraphina? What were they thinking? Seemed odd, but I liked how it showed how crazy people were becoming in their witch like dragon hunt.
61) What did you think about Glisselda coming up with the lie that Seraphina was wearing some new girdle or corset? Do you think Glisselda suspects she's half dragon?

Buddy Read Questions Part Five

Comments and Questions for Chapters 17 - 20
46) Did you find it interesting that Ardmagar wanted to "try everything?"Did you like his description as to how dragon and human senses differ?
47) What did you think of the conversation between Lady Corongi and Princess Dionne about taking a Dragon to bed?
48) "He's the first Apsig to crawl out of the highland s in three generations; that house was believed extinct, so of curse I was curious." Could he be a dragon in disguise or a spy?
49) Should Seraphina go off with Kiggs without a chaperone? Why would he think she would go? Should she have gone?
50) Did Seraphina impress you with her thoughts about a dragon being in the area Prince Rufus died because of the birds?
51) I like how Seraphina and Kiggs have a nice rapor and seem to mutually respect each others opinions. Maybe I was wrong about him.
52) Were you surprised that Kiggs thought Seraphina was in love with Orma or did you suspect that was where his thoughts were when he said he thought she was in love with someone else?
53) Let me just say with all the characters and saints, I'm so glad for the glossary and cast of characters list. I'd be lost.
54) So dragons can be killed by fire. Seems ironic since the can breathe fire.
55) Did you like how Seraphina bluffed them out of danger? Sounds like she has a very good poker face. Do you think Kiggs should have been mad at her after she forgot to tell him about her dragon's earring?

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Buddy Read Questions Part Four

Comments and Questions for Chapters 13 - 16
36) So Seraphina was caught. What did you make of Lucian's assumption that she was an agent?

37) What do you make of Lucian's "beastly tower"? Why do you think Glisselda calls it that?
38) About Lucian accepting the Seraphina's apology so easily, and then apologizing in return for getting personal he says: “In this particular case, I think there was more to it than that. You honestly answered my question.” What did you think about the insight he gets and gives back when he equates being a bastard to having a gift?
39) Do you think Apsig recognized Seraphina's either scent or the herbs of her ointments?
40) I thought the descriptions of the Quighole public house was the most atmospheric and interesting in the book so far. What do you think about the place?

41) What are you thought on Basind's reaction to being touched?
42) Between Seraphina's observations, and her mother's memories, we got quite a view of Ardmagar. What is your take on him?
43) Did you think Lucian is being unaware of the amount of attention he's showing Seraphina? Anxious to see how the dancing goes?
44) It looks like there is a lot to Earl Apsig and Lars enmity. Why do you think the Earl was asking Lars to conceal what he is?
45) So Seraphina could speak directly to Lars mind, and revealed herself to him. I found his naming her little sister so heartwarming. What were you thoughts on that scene?

Monday, November 5, 2012

Buddy Read Questions Part Three

Questions and Comments for Chapters 8 - 12
26)So Miss Fusspots is real and is Dame Okra Carmine. Maybe this answers my questions of whether dragons have magical abilities, although could it only pertain to half breeds?

27) We learn more of Seraphina's dragon relatives. Her gradmother killed herself because of the disgrace her daughter caused by taking up with a human and marrying him and her grandfather was banished because of it? Wow! I wonder if her grandfather put the blame on her grandmother. He doesn't exactly sound like the nicest person.
28) Loud Boy is Lars, Viridius' protogee, I wonder how many of the grotesques we'll meet in this book?
29) What do you think the connection is between Lars and Joesf, Earl of Apsig? Seems like there's some back story there. Any clues?
30) Does anyone else find it strange that Seraphina knows about these grotesques, but they don't know about her? I thought maybe her 'visions' might be them trying to gain access to her, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
31) What did you think of Seraphina breaking out in song when Lars fell into the water?
32) What did you think about Prince Lucian checking out Seraphina and her mother? How old is he anyway? Did they say?
33) "What's it like to be a bastard?" Do you think she just wanted to get him to leave her alone or was she thinking of being part dragon and making an analogy to it being a little like being a bastard?
34) What did you think of the serenade of Seraphina? I though it very sweet. Seems like Guntard might have a crush.
35) What did you think of how Seraphina went to questions the knights who saw the dragon? Why would they imprison the knights? Should she have done it?

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Buddy Read Questions Part Two

11)'Dragons found the human condition confusing and often overwhelming, and they had developed strategies over the years for keeping their heads "in ard" while they took human form.' Does this mean they develop human feelings while in human form?
12) I forgot to ask in the last batch of questions what did you make of the maternal memories?
13) What do you make of the visions? Could they be more maternal memories that Seraphina's mother gave her or something else?
14) What did you think of the cognitive architecture that was used to create essentially rooms to lock things mentally into?
15) So he's envisioned her partitions in a book locked in a chest, inside a tomb, and contained in a prison at the bottom of the sea? A bit obsessive? This eludes that the visions must be very overpowering and hard to deal with.
16) What did you think of all the grotesques and her garden to put them in? Each grotesque representing a person in her visions. Why do you think Jannoula could talk and influence her? I found this rather strange. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the whole thing. Interesting that the one who can speak to her has a somewhat normal sounding name. Did she tell her it?
17) Interesting that Viridius reiterates that dragons don't have souls and states it's why their music is lacking. This almost sounds like it contrasts with what we know about Seraphina's mother.
18) First impression of Princess Glisselda?
19) What did you make of Seraphina's anology about people and cockroaches in regards to how dragons see them? I think this may start answering one of your questions Bianca. Could this cause trouble for her later?
20) Why do you suppose her visions are changing and the people more aware of her?
21) "I've met woman like you. Worm-riding quig lovers. You don't know how close you came to hitting your head during your fit."
"Woman like you disappear in this town," he snarled. "Tied in sacks, thrown in the river. No one calls for justices because they get what they deserve."

What the heck was that all about?

22) Did you like the glimpse Seraphina got of her mother's feelings for her father?
23) Taly, I believe you were right. I think we did meet Seraphina's love interest, Prince Lucian, in the last section. I wonder how this will play out as he appears to be engaged to Princess Glisselda?
24) Sounds like Josef, the Earl of Apsig, may be trouble. I don't like him thus far. What do you think?
25) What did you make of the one woman looking like Miss Fusspots?

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Buddy Read Questions Part One

Comments and Questions for Chapters 1 - 3
1) So did you like that Seraphina could remember her birth? I think this is the third book I've read that had that happen with a main character.

2) We know that her mother died and Orma is her uncle. Why do you think they didn't tell her straight away that she was part dragon?
3) What did you think of St. Yirtrudis and St. Capiti? St. Capiti carry's her head on a plate and is the patroness of scholars. The priest seemed to be upset that Seraphina's father had a copy of the All Saints that included St. Yirtrudis, the patroness of heretics, although the face of the saint was blackened out. Sounds like there is a story there as a heretic is a person holding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted. Could this be foreshadowing?
4) So it appears we have dragons and humans coexisting in the world, but not altogether in harmony. They seem to keep separate from one another and aren't particularly fond of each other. Do you think Dragons truly don't have souls as claimed or is it just what humans think?
5) So Seraphina is part dragon and part human. She needs to hide the fact, and her father wants her to keep a low profile. Do you think her father did her a disservice by being too protective or did he do the right thing? She seemed to have a lonely existence.
6) What did you make of all the times Orma had to save Seraphina's life?
7) What did you think of the Dragon's earring? It sounds like they might be more technologically advanced.
8) What do you think the token the little girl gave Orma meant?
9) Were you as surprised as I was that Seraphina's mom kept the fact that she was a dragon from her father?
10) If Seraphina has such a musical talent, I wonder if all dragons have some special talent?


Seraphina
Novel by Rachel Hartman

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Review: The Fury


The Fury
The Fury by L.J. Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Maybe it was the season but I had to really push my way through this. Most pages seemed like all that was being said was "blah blah blah blah" I do admit tho it was good OVERALL just a bit wordy in spots. I liked the story line and it was not a repeat (for me at least) of many of the other books/series out there.



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Review: Dark Reunion


Dark Reunion
Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Maybe it was the season but I had to really push my way through this. Most pages seemed like all that was being said was "blah blah blah blah" I do admit tho it was good OVERALL just a bit wordy in spots. I liked the story line and it was not a repeat (for me at least) of many of the other books/series out there.



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Friday, September 7, 2012

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey


Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



For it being "The book you must read" I was NOT thrilled with it. I was expecting it to me way more graphic to be honest.



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Monday, September 3, 2012

Review: The Fury and Dark Reunion


The Fury and Dark Reunion
The Fury and Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Maybe it was the season but I had to really push my way through this. Most pages seemed like all that was being said was "blah blah blah blah" I do admit tho it was good OVERALL just a bit wordy in spots. I liked the story line and it was not a repeat (for me at least) of many of the other books/series out there.



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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Review: Déjà Dead


Déjà Dead
Déjà Dead by Kathy Reichs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Maybe it was just timing but it took me forever to get this book done.

Not gonna give a full review as I will have to go back and reread when I am more into reading



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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Review: Crescendo


Crescendo
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



First off I was wrong I thought it was Scott all along and Patch had me cussing at him through the bok I mean MARCIE!!!!! ...

All in all a good book and a step above the first I hope the pace stays the same in the next book





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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Review: Matched


Matched
Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



While not a book I would of picked up myself I am glad I took the word of a friend and read it.

Based in the future (no real dates said) the Society makes choices for you to what you wear to what you eat and can do with your free time right down to who you will be matched with to further the perfect society free of defects.

Cassia just turned 17 and attends her Match ceremony all goes as planned and bonus she is matched with her life long childhood friend. Later in the privacy of her home she looks at the microcard of Xander (her match) to see what society thinks she should know about him she gets a surprise. While Xanders face shows first it suddenly fades to black showing her the face of Ky.

The rest of the book takes you into Cassia's mind and all that she is feeling over this. Was it really a mistake, a cruel joke, or is there more to this story?



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Monday, May 28, 2012

The RRRC Cocktails Challenge



At last, the challenge you have all been waiting for (well, a couple of you anyway…) - the RRRC Cocktail Challenge!! Thanks to all the myriad of suggestions that were posted by our members in the Suggestions for Future Challenges thread :)

This challenge is open for 11 months and 16 days. It will start on 15 July 2011 and continue through until 30 June 2012.

Aim to complete one of the following levels of intoxication by reading the corresponding number of books that can be matched to any of the below-listed categories.
Stone-cold sober - 1 book
Buzzed - 5 books
Tipsy - 10 books
Drunk - 15 books
Hammered: Beer goggles no longer optional - 20 books
Schwasted - 25 books
Passed out in the taxi line - 30 books
Stomach pumped – 50 books or more
These book numbers reflect the total number of books read to hit the intoxication level. This total includes bonus books.

A book selected by location:
Wine of choice ~ a book that is set on a vineyard or in a recognised wine region (eg Napa Valley, Champagne France, Mosel Germany etc). Please note the wine region on your selection. To help, here is a wiki link: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wine-p...
Mojito ~ a book set in Latin America or Cuba, or has a Latino character.
Tennessee Cowboy ~ a book set in one of the southern states of USA, or with a cowboy as main character.
Tequila Sunrise ~ a book that takes place in Mexico or south-west USA (west Texas to San Diego) or has the sun on the cover
Rob Roy ~ a book set in Scotland, has a Scottish character, or the main character is an outlaw/rebel
Manhattan ~ a book set in New York or shows a man with a hat on the cover.
Long Island Ice Tea ~ a book set in (on?) Long Island, or a ‘long’ book (over 450 pages)
Bay Breeze ~ a book set in San Francisco or San Diego, or a book where the characters sail or travel on boats/ships (including space ships).
Rusty Nail - a book that takes place in the 'Rust Belt' (a region of the US stretching from Milwalkee to Syracuse, refer: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_Belt), has an H/h who is a builder/mechanic or has the colours of autumn on the cover
Rum Runner - a book that takes place in the Caribbean, deals with smuggling or import-export or has a H/h that is a fitness fanatic.
Jägerbomb - a book that takes place in Germany, has something to do with a bomb (threat, war etc), or has an explosion (eg starburst) or bomb on the cover or has a character described as or like a 'bombshell'. (As a point of interest, this drink is banned in some Australian regions as it encourages binge drinking and irresponsible behaviour! Huh – who would have guessed! *sarcasm*)
White Russian – a book set in Eastern Europe or has a predominantly white cover
Mint Julep – a book set in Kentucky or Virginia, or has a mint-green cover.

A book by theme:
Bloody Mary ~ suspense/horror, kick-ass heroine.
Virgin Bloody Mary (for the teetotalers) ~ H/h is a virgin or book has a red cover
Cosmo (ala Sex in the City) ~ Chick lit, book with friends as main characters.
Martini (shaken not stirred) ~ Spy, Special Ops, Undercover agent, romantic suspense (you get the idea…) or a book set in England
Sex on the Beach ~ Erotica or a book set on a beach or beach on the cover
Salty Dog ~ H/h is a pirate, the book is set on ship/boat or H/h has a dog companion
7&7 ~ 7 letters in authors name (1st or last), 7 words in title, 7th in series, or has the number 7 in the title.
Lemon Drop ~ a book with an acerbic/sarcastic H/h or with a yellow cover
Snakebite ~ a vampire book, a book that has a snake in it, or has a character that is sneaky
Kamikaze ~ a book with a ‘daredevil’ type character or a character set at self destruct, or a book set in Japan.
Zombie ~ a zombie book or a book where a character is/has been in a coma or is/was knocked unconscious.
Flaming Lamborghini ~ a book with the words ‘flame’, ‘burn’, ‘smoke’ or ‘fire’ in the title or a book with a character who is a dragon, demon or a professional driver.

Bonus themes:
You may create your own cocktails and match this to your chosen book.


Because we know that you may not remember the who/what/where/when or why, try to maintain a list of books as you drink read and repost them in this thread whenever you come down from your high.

If you plan to have a huge drinking session, you must drink read a book from each of the listed categories before you start over again (25 in total excluding any chosen bonus books).

If you encounter a book during your drinking reading session that was so bad that you want to forget it, feel free to add this as a bonus book to challenge, categorizing it under one of the following drinks: Hurlmaker, FYU (F*ck You Up), Swampwater, Afterbirth or Vulcan Mind Grip.


Level Selection rules:
*You must select your level before you start the challenge
*Once you select your level, you cannot move up or down without penalty. You have until 15 July to make sure you are happy with your level selection.
*The penalty - You may apply to me to finish your bar session early if you have bitten off more than you can chew (eg. you have been aiming for stomach pumped but you can't even get tipsy - face it: you aren't as 'p*ss-fit' as you thought!). This session would show in the summary thread as 'incomplete'. But, if you wanted to, you could then start a new session as the team-driver, aiming for 'Stone-cold sober'.
*Some of you may decide to have a few big nights out, so that once you have achieved your desired level of intoxication you can go home and return the next night with a new alcoholic target. The new target must be new books but may involve your preferred drinks.
*As clarification - just because you have been 'tipsy' and 'drunk', that will not qualify you to be shown as 'passed out'.

Note: If you do apply to me to go home early, I want a really good excuse - eg the school yard bully from 30 years ago has just shown up and you are scared to drink in his/her presence...

General rules:
*Books from other challenges may be used
*Rereads are fine
*Book length of at least 100 pages
*Audiobooks are fine
*You can start drinking reading at any time within the stated period, but must not start before 15 July 2011 and must have completed your last book by 30 June 2012 (I feel a bit like a lawyer)
*Your list may be posted in advance or as you go. You may swap books on your list if you have pre-posted.


Questions? Answered! have been transferred across to the Suggestions thread - see link below.

A separate suggestions thread is available to ask all those tricky, mind-bending questions that appear in your brain as you sort through life with friends on your bar-crawl. Please click on this link: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6...

Please note: this group, the moderators, and the organizers of this challenge, do not encourage or condone excesses in reading. If you experience any intoxication that impairs judgment whilst reading, please stop immediately and seek help.

Credit for the idea and drinks contained in this challenge goes to Joanne, Jim, Penney, Kami, Dee and Rossy.

One Book For Each Genre! (2011-2012)

RULES: Please read before deciding to participate.

*Make sure to pick your selection carefully, for you will not be able to change the books once we get started. Though you may pick which genre you want to read, at any time, for whatever month you want.

*Duration:
11 months (July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012)

*Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?

*We start on July, but anybody is welcome to join us at any time. Late comers will have to finish along with us though, no extra time.

*Romance is a sub-genre, so as long as you pick a book that fits the genres stated below, you may pick whatever other subgenre you prefer.

*Lets use the honor system. I will trust that you will comply and not change the books once we get started. When you finish a book(s), you can make a post here of what book you finished and write the discussion topic below each title; as finished with your chosen category for the month.

*If you finish more than one book in a single month. You can skip the following month(s), if that is your wish. You're also welcome to add a book(s), as long as the book(s) you're adding fall under the same genre category you finished early.

*We are allowed to change ONE book in our list, if you have read at least 3 chapters and can explain WHY you cannot keep reading it. Make sure you let me know in the thread, before you change it.


For the Optional/Bonus categories-

If you post your Optional/Bonus books at the start of the challenge then you may read them at any time during the challenge, no need to wait until the first 9 genres are completed.

If you don't post the Optional/Bonus books at the start of the challenge, you may still add them at any time, but you may not read them until after the first 9 genres are completed.


*Pick 1 book that will fit each of these genres, using Romance as a sub-genre. You must try them all to participate!

Contemporary:
Erotic OR BDSM:
GLBT:
Historical OR Regency:
Paranormal OR Fantasy:
Suspense OR Mystery:
Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit:
Chick lit is a sub-genre of women's fiction which addresses issues of modern women often humorously and lightheartedly, in an urban setting. Although women's fiction as well as chick-lit are targeted towards female readers, women's fiction contains heavier or in-depth subject. "It’s like having a best friend tell you about her life. Or watching various characters go through things that you have gone through yourself, or witnessed others going through."-CLBs
World Lit/International: ie. set solely in a country not your own, revolves around the country's culture, myths or beliefs.
Young Adult:

*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic:
Book you would consider a classic of its genre or literary classic.
Memoir OR Non-fiction:
Thriller OR Horror:
Religious OR Inspirational:
Speculative Fiction OR Dystopia:
Graphic Novel/Manga:

Moderator Note:
If you need help with any of the categories, and need recommendations. Click to this suggestion thread for answers to your question(s) and assistance:http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6...

Love is ... - 120 day challenge

What is love? People have been asking that for thousands of years with thousands of different answers. Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love is patient, love is kind." A popular movie once told us, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Robert Frost said, "Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

Do any of these fit our own definitions perfectly? Probably not.

As romance readers, we get to see more facets of love than most. Since we get to see so many sides of what love is, we are probably better qualified than most to define the phases and faces of love. This challenge is to do just that.

Number of Books: 12
Duration: 120 days

EDIT: I know I didn't put a time frame in place, but I think everyone should be wrapped up by June 1st which means if you are in, must start by Feb 1 (if you want the full 120 days)**


Pick any 12 categories but no duplication allowed. At least one book must be from the early stages, one from the middle stages, and ,yes all things end, so one from the end too. Choices from Other Loves are optional but may be used to fill the quota. 12 books in 120 days should be easy for most of you. I'm not declaring that they have to be read in order or anything. If you want a REAL challenge though, do all 25 categories.

It should be noted that so many of the categories are contingent upon things that happen in the book. So you are going to have to rely on the suggestions and reviews of others to know if the book qualifies. Good Luck and ENJOY!




Early Stages:
Puppy Love - Read a book where the h/H knew each other as kids and one of them had a crush on the other.

Young Love - Read a YA book with a significant romance theme.

Love at First Sight - Read a book where the h/H have an instant attraction or read a book that you bought because of the cover without knowing the author or reading any reviews (that's right. Just walk into a book store and buy a book with a cover you like. Don't even bother to read the blurb or the back. Come on, try it.)

Love's First Kiss - Read a book by an author you've never read before.

Blind Date - Read a book that a friend recommends. Unlike the PIFM challenge, you only get one pick.

Friends First (More Later) - Read a book where the h/H are friends for a long time before they become romantically involved.

Summer Lovin' - Read a book where the h/H meet on vacation.


Middle Stages:
Love and Marriage - Read a book where the h/H begin the book married.

A Serious Commitment - Read a book with at least 750 pages.

We're Comfortable - Read a book where the h/H have dated for more than three years but have never gotten married.

Keeping Things Interesting - You knew if I was putting a challenge together there had to be an erotica book in there somewhere. Well, you've found it.

Finding a New Home - Most families once they really start to get established, move/buy/build homes. Read a book that has a house building/refurb/rehab/real-estate as a significant plot element.

First comes love, second comes marriage, then comes Joey in a baby carriage! - Read a book that has a child between the h/H as a major plot element.

I love my job! - Read a book where something about either the h/H job is a significant issue.

The End and Beyond:
Sometimes we have to say goodbye to the ones we love - Read a book where either h/H is a widow/widower.

Death isn't always the end - With the wonderful world of PNR, the h/H don't even have to be alive! Ghosts, vampires, and zombies all qualify here.

My ex isn't dead. I just wish they were - Read a book where the h/H are divorced. Either one is fine.

I didn't know what I had until you were gone - Read a book where h/H had a relationship, were separated for a significant length of time, and re-connected later in life. They don't have to have been married the first time.

We've been together forever - Read a book from an author that you have read (and rated) at least 10 of their books.

The Golden Years - Read a book where the h/H are retired, a grandparent is a significant character, or one of the characters is over 100 years old (yeah, another nod to those PNR folks).

This can't be all there is! - Read the most recently released book in a series that you love.

Other Loves
Love thy God - Read a book where the h/H is an officer of a religion (priest, pastor, rabbi, high priestess of the goddess Boo - whatever).

Filial Love - Read a book where a parent of the h/H plays a significant role in the story.

Love thy neighbor - There is always the girl next door or boy next door stories. Maybe they grew up next door to each other. Maybe they just moved in next door. Either way, they end up doing more than just borrowing a cup of flour.

Love your pets - There is a pet in this story that is a major player in the story. Maybe the h/H is a vet. In any event, pets and animals are a major focus of this one.

 

Example:



Early Stages:
Love's first kiss (new to me author): The Phantom of the Opera
Puppy Love (one had crush on other as kids): Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Friends first (more later): Last Night's Scandal
Love at first sight (chosen for cover): Girl with a Pearl Earring

Middle Stages:
I love my job! (H is a spy): Dancing on the Wind
Keeping things interesting (erotica): Wicked Intentions

The End and Beyond:
We've been together forever (author I've read and rated 10+ books): Dreamfever
This can't be all there is! (most recently released book of a series I love): Shadowfever
Sometimes we have to say goodbye to the ones we love (H is widower): The China Bride
The Golden Years (Grandmother main character): The Lost Duke of Wyndham
Death isn't always the end (Vampire H): A Discovery of Witches

Other Loves:
Love your pets (dog of H is a main character): I Am the Messenger

Read the Month Irish Edition

Read the Month Irish Edition
mi MEITHEAMH (June)
Duration: June 1, 2012 - June 30, 2012

The challenge lasts the entire month of May, starting on the first and ending on the thirty-first.
Rules: Using the letters of the month, you may read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with that letter or you may read a book whose title starts with that letter. Feel free to disregard articles: a, an, the, etc.

 

Example:

M - Michele Bardsley - Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
E - Elisabeth Naughton - Tempted
I - Imperial Haven
T - The Tardis Handbook: Doctor Who
H - M.L.N. Hanover - Unclean Spirits
E - The Edge of Morning
A - Sidney Ayers - Demons Prefer Blondes
M - Master of Fire
H - Highborn

JUNE MONTHLY CHALLENGE

This thread is for participants to post their books and update their progress. The suggestions thread is HERE
Many Thanks to those who stopped by the Suggestions Thread. Your help is very much appreciated!!
1. “J" is for June: Read a book that starts with 'J' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'J'.
2. Happy Birthday!: Read a book from a June birthday celebrant's GR bookshelf. To change up your choices a bit, this month choose a June birthday celebrant whose name/nickname starts with the letter before your initial in the alphabet. If no one has the that letter, choose someone with the closest letter to it alphabetically, just not your letter. RRRC June Birthday List
3. Geography: Read a book whose author, character or setting is from Greece. OR/ Greece is well known for its beautiful beaches, fabulous art, and the Greek Gods – read a book that has beaches, art or Greek mythology as a significant element.
4. Sixth Month: Read a book that is the sixth in a series, has six words in the title or has the number six in the title.
5. Donut Day - June 1; Chocolate Ice Cream Day - June 7; National Jelly-filled Donut Day June 8; Peanut Butter Cookie Day - June 12; Fudge Day - June 16: Read a book in which cooking/baking is an important part of the book, that takes place in a bakery or restaurant, or whose main character is a dentist!
6. Repeat Day - June3! Repeat Day - June 3! Read a book about twins, in which a word is repeated in the title, or reread an old favorite
7. Father's Day - June 17: Read a book involving a single father, written from the male perspective or the presence or lack of father is a significant part of the story.
8. First Day of Summer - June 21: Read a book about a summer love or that takes place during the summer.
9. Helen Keller's Birthday - June 27:Read a book with a main character that has a handicap of some sort (blindness, in a wheelchair, mutism, etc.), or has overcome an accident or other traumatic event.
10. Reader's Choice
When posting your challenge progress, please make sure to put the dates when you finished your books.
Please repost your progress as it helps when updating.r progress as it helps when updating.

June 2012 PIFM Picking Rules

Keeping with the casual and relaxed atmosphere of summer, we are going to keep things casual and relaxed in this month's PIFM. So, with the categories this month, I am not going to specify some from their to-read shelf and some that are new. I am going to ask that each of us try to select at least half the picks from your pickee's TBR, you get to choose which categories though. I tried to make sure there was lots of flexibility within each category, so as long as you think it fits - that works for me!
Schools Out for Summer! - Select a Young Adult book, a book with a child or children, or one with a vacation.
Flag Day, June 14th - Pick a book featuring someone in the military, a politician or a policeman/firefighter.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen - Recommend a book with a hot cover or a steamy story.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream - Suggest a book where a bakery or desserts play a role or one that has a sweet story.
Fire up the BBQ - Pick a book with a story that involves food or takes place outside.
Summer Solstice - Select a book that takes place during the summer.
Gay Pride Month - Pick a book that features same sex leads or has a cover with at least three colors of the rainbow.
Old Maids Day, June 4th - Choose a book that has an older lead (male and/or female) or one that has parents or grandparents prominent in the story.

Buddy Reads:
Pick at least one from their TBR.
Sand in Your Shorts - Pick a book that you might consider a good beach read.
Best Friends Day, June 8th - Select a book where friends play a large role in the story.
Bonus Pick: Not necessary but nice.
Father's Day, June 17th, because we all love a good daddy! - Recommend a book where the main character is a father or a father figure is part of the story.
Please Note: Buddy Read selections are not optional! If you are unable to participate, you still need to make the picks. Just let your pickee know that you will not be able to read with them in advance.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review: Nobody's Child


Nobody's Child
Nobody's Child by Austin Boyd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I loved this book and would of read it in one sitting but life got in the way.

When I first read the book cover I knew I wanted to/had to read it.
Man am I glad I did.

Laura Ann McGehee makes a choice in life to get through a hard time, a choice I myself have thought about for other reasons. After reading this it makes you stop and wondering about a lot of what ifs.

I would recommend this book to anyone who will let me yak about it.

There is some Christian undertones but it is scattered though out the book and does not overload you on it at any point.

**I may come back once my mind is clear to fix this up a bit**



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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Review: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul


Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul by Jack Canfield

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Like most other books in the Chicken Soup family this had some heart warming entries as well as some you have heard before.

I liked the book well enough



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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Review: Masquerade


Masquerade
Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Not a over the top OMG must read.

Schuyler goes off to find her grandfather and once back in the states the rest of the book is all about the Four Hundred Ball.

The characters were dull and had no life. It took me ages to read cause there was nothing there to pull me in kinda dreading the rest of the series if they continue like this one.



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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Review: Blue Bloods


Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Was not thrilled with this even tho everyone was telling me it was a good series nothing really gripped me and pulled me into it at all.



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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Review: Bloodlines


Bloodlines
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



To be honest the ONLY reason I picked up this book was because of Adrian.

In all it was an OK read ( I wanted more of Adrian and his "witty comments").
I had to think back on who Jill,Sydney and Eddie were (as well as many of the others).
The book has a few small twist and turns but the bad guys are easy to spot and figure out way before they are reveled.

I hope the next book lets Adrian settle down and find a love worthy of him and focuses on him more.

Maybe he should have a whole series with him as the lead???



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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Review: Sin and Salvation


Sin and Salvation
Sin and Salvation by Richie Tankersley Cusick

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



Come back to reread



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Review: Blood Brothers


Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers by Richie Tankersley Cusick

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



Come back to reread



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Create Your Perfect Prom Night Reading Challenge (April/May)

     

We at Nothing but Reading Challenges believe you are only as old as you feel. Therefore, we thought it would be fun to invite everyone to a Prom of their own making in the form of a reading challenge. In the States, May is the traditional month you'll start seeing Proms taking place, so that is why we designated this time period for this particular challenge.
What: The 'Create Your Perfect Prom Night' Reading Challenge
When: April 1st - May 31st
Where: Nothing but Reading Challenges group (an online Goodreads book club)
Why: Because it's fun and that's our groups middle name. I have no clue what our last name is, so don't ask. ;)
RSVP to Nothing but Reading Challenge * (<-- Click on the words Nothing but Reading Challenges)

Photobucket


**** Please don't be intimidated by the size of this one. Feel free to trim or reduce to the size you feel comfortable with. For example, you may just wish to tell us your color scheme instead of reading books for it. Just pick what part you want to read and fill in what you don't with what your choice would be. This is supposed to be fun and it should be catered to your preferences. So have fun and enjoy!
The first item on the agenda is to pick your Prom Theme. Mine was 'Now It's Our Turn'. You can fashion it after your favorite song or perhaps a book title you think would be appropriate.
- You may pick a book that has your theme as the title, several books that combined contain one word each of the theme (this is the creative way to do this one since we're aiming to finish in 2 months), or if you're really ambitious do a spell-it-out challenge. keep in mind you can use one book to fill more than one of items to make this a little easier to do within our allotted time frame.
The second item on your agenda is to pick your color scheme.
- For this read one or more books with the colors in the title or one or more books that correspond to the colors in your scheme or do a spell-it-out of your colors.
Example of a spell-it-out:
R: Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr (Title)
E: Edward from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Character's Name)
D: Cat with an Emerald Eye - Carole Nelson Douglas (Author's Last Name)
Thirdly, select a keepsake. Mine was a glass that had the year and theme printed on it. (This one is optional)
- Read a book with a picture of it on the cover or in the title.
                            

The fourth item on the agenda is to pick the oh so important outfit.
- You may pick one or more books that have a 'to die for' dress/suit you fell in love with on the cover, or the title has a dress/outfit in the title (example Lady in the red dress) or do a spell-it-out challenge using the color of your dress, name of the character you choose, etc.
The fifth item on the agenda to do is find/pick your date. If you hate committing to just one individual, then feel free to fill up your dance card with those individuals you'd like to dance with:
- Read 1 or more books which include your favorite romance hero(es)/heroine(s) or do an optional spell-it-out with the characters name first, last, or full.
The sixth item on the agenda is to pick your mode of transportation
- Read 1 or more books which contain some means of transportation on the cover on in the book that you'd like to take to the ball. You may, if you like, do a spell-it-out challenge.
                       

The seventh item on the agenda is to pick what music you'd like to dance to or what dance you'd like to partake in. You could pick something current, retro, classical, etc This prom is your baby so you get to pick.
- You may choose one or more books with couple dancing on the cover, have dancing or a masquerade ball in the book, or opt to do our ever popular spell-it-out challenge of your favorite song or dance.
The eighth item on the agenda is to pick an entree or restaurant, if you are to nervous to eat in front of others, you may choose an hor'dearve.
- You may choose one or more books with a restaurant, feast, dinner item, or food item on the cover (pizza, chicken kiev, ham, etc), books with sit down dinners, or do a spell-it-out challenge of your favorite food entree.
Lastly, tell us how your date ended.
- Read a book that contains your happy ending (perhaps a kiss or becoming prom queen/king) on the cover or in the story. Be creative and have fun and remember to keep it reasonably clean.
           

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Review: Ascend


Ascend
Ascend by Amanda Hocking

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I was sad to this this series end and felt the last book was a bit rushed. Altho I am happy she ended with Loki and that Tove had no hard feelings and actually wanted to end the marriage himself.



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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Review: The Mating


The Mating
The Mating by Nicky Charles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I am so glad this book was reccommended to me. I loved it just enough smut with out going over board.

Elise was mated (married) to a complete stranger. Through out the book she gets to know her husband. While the road is bumpy they eventually are on the same page and "let nature happen".



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Review: The Help

The Help
The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



All I can say nicely is I am glad I did not pay for this book. After reading it I do not see the hype in this book and wish I would of passed it over.

UPDATE::: 3/22/2012
After talking with a older lady about this book I finally grasped why this book did not grip me. I WAS NOT THERE!!! She was explaining how hard it was when she was growing up (she had a friend who was African American when there was still segregation going on but towards the end)

She had told me while in our small town she was treated much like today (no separate drinking fountains and such) but she had taken a trip down south with her where segregation was still a huge thing and how she seen it and understood it and made it that more real.

Sure we younger generation were taught about it but never truly seen it. And she told me until you witness it you can never really understand it.

I have upped my rating from a two star to a three star since now I can understand it a bit clearer.



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:::UPDATE:::
You can now view my Movie review of The Help here.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Review: Mockingjay


Mockingjay
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



What can I say without giving it all away?????

I had mixed feeling throughout this whole book one minute I was hating Peeta the next going Awww.
This is one I thought I had figured out but I was dead wrong.
I wish I could rewrite the whole last chapter tho Like Gale NOT being around what a friend

It did have touching parts but I would of liked more towards then end when it all comes together.

I cried when Katniss broke down about Prim dying and yelling at Buttercup

In all YES it is a good book. YES I would recommend this book (and the first 2) to anyone who will listen




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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Review: Catching Fire


Catching Fire
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



While not as good as the first it held as a good 2nd in a series.

I personally would of changed a few things and was kinda upset about how some things went. Another fast pace good book tho got it done in just over a day with a 1st grader underfoot lol



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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Review: The Hunger Games


The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved this book and called most things before they happened but not all the details and yes I was in for a surprise here and there. I would recommend to others another plus is the pace of the book nothing drags on



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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Gonna do a little something different this time I made notes while reading.

Pg. 207- Can I just say major WTF??? The scene between Jem and Tessa I hated when it ended just like that. I mean them two?? I know he has feelings for her but for her to feel that way.

Pg. 292- What make out was better? Loved how both happened even tho slightly induced in the second it was gonna happen sooner or later. I mean that "kiss" before could not leave me hanging right? Love the passion between the key players.

Pg.412- While I am glad Will was not cursed what an ass he has been. I mean yeah ok not wanting anyone to love him but still OUCH! I can only imagine the hurtful things he has said to Charlotte to keep her from loving him.

Pg. 429- Love the quote.

Pg. 432- Aww can Jem be any sweeter?

Pg. 438- How can you not love Will??

Pg. 478- My heart breaks for Will.

Pg. 497- Finally a son of there own!!!! I had a feeling when She said they needed to talk a bit ago.

Pg. 499- NOOOOOOOOO!!!! I did NOT want this book to end at all. This next one better hurry and get out NOW!!!!!






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Sunday, March 11, 2012

Review: Clockwork Angel


Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



3/4/12 Pg.75 - A slow start I hope it picks up for me soon.

I admit it was a bit until i got into this book but once i did i could not put it down.



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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

March Reading Rainbow Challenge

Originally posted at: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/819614-march-reading-rainbow-challenge

 

I went to a PTA meeting for my kids and this challenge was inspired by the PTA president's speech where she assigned her PTA partners in crime colors of the rainbow for their personalities. I thought March would be the perfect time to run this challenge since rainbows are associated with Leprechauns whose pots of gold tend to be found at the end of one.
Colors and personalities:
“Color vibrations are a source of power, each one having a general as well as a specific function and purpose...Some people believe that each human being incarnates under a particular ray and is influenced by other subordinate rays, the focal point being an aura or radiation of light, that surrounds all creatures.”* Thus, every color of the rainbow, seven rays in all, can be attributed to someone's personality.
A RED personality is associated with those of an individual who is courageous, dynamic, and confident.
An ORANGE personality is associated with those who are creative.
A YELLOW personality is associated with those who are wise.
A GREEN personality is associated with those who are understanding, compassionate, generous, humble, and romantic.
A BLUE personality is associated with those who are truthful, loyal, and honest.
An INDIGO personality is associated with those who are intuitive.
A VIOLET personality is associated with those who are inspirational, kind and just.
For this challenge you may:
- Read the color that most describes you by either doing a Spell-it-out challenge (of the color or personality trait)
- Read books with that color or personality trait some how used in it. It could be a word contained in the title or a characteristic displayed by one of the characters. You decide.
- Read a book for every color of the rainbow (using the colors as your guide)
Levels:
Easy
- 3 to 4 books.
Moderate - 5 to 7 books.
Difficult - Read 8+ books.
Example of a Spell-it-out challenge:
R - The Rancher and the Rock Star by Lizbeth Selvig (The, An, A, etc can be ignored in title in order to fit into this criteria)
E - Eden, Cynthia author of Deadly Fear
D - Daphney Bridgerton (character) from The Duke And I by Julia Quinn
* Information was found at: http://crystal-cure.com/color-emotions2....

 

Chasing the Rainbow .......
*Book Covers
Red -
Orange -
Yellow -
Green -
Blue -
Indigo -
Violet -
The Pot of Gold

Titanic 100 Year Anniversary Challenge

Originally posted at : http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/819010-titanic-100-year-anniversary-challenge?page=1#top

The RMS Titanic, a passenger liner that struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, sank on 15 April 1912. Of the 2,223 people on board the White Star Line steamship, 1,517 perished. Click here for a Time/Life Photo Gallery. Click here for more information from Wikipedia.
• Read a book, non-fiction or fiction, about the Titanic. For suggestions, check out these
         GoodReads’ listopia links: Best Titanic Books, Fiction Books About the Titanic,
         and Genre: Titanic.
• Read a book that at least partly has its setting on a ship. This can also be a spaceship.
• Read a book of “titanic proportions” - as in greater than 450 pages.
• Read a book about a captain of something or has a character called “captain,” even if only as
         a nickname.
• Read a book with “ice” in the title or is depicted on the cover.
• Read a book where a lifeboat is used.
• Read a book about a catastrophe or disaster. Click here for GRs listopia Maritime Disasters
         and Shipwrecks.
• Read a book in which Morse Code, or a telegraph, is used to send a message.
“And the band played on…” Read a book where the protagonist is connected to a musical band.
         Helpful GRs listopia are: Fiction Involving Music, Best Books on Rock & Roll,
         & YA Music Books.
• Read a biography of someone who was on the Titanic. Helpful link: enclyclopedia-titanica.org
• Read a book with a predominately white cover.
• Read a book with a star (or stars) on it.
Duration: One Year for Your Start Date

Levels
Life vest: (easy) = 3 books
Lifeboat: (medium) = 4 - 10
Carpathia*: (hard) = 11 - 12
(*ship that delivered survivors to New York)
Or you may choose the Spell-It-Out Option, and spell T.I.T.A.N.I.C. or another word that
reminds you of this historic event. Use book or series titles, or authors' first or last names to spell your word(s). Note: I used all Titanic theme books in the example;however, you don't have to do this.
Titanic, iceberg, captain, S.O.S, lifeboat, Morse Code, April, hundred
Spell It Out
T. - Terry Jones = Douglas Adams's Starship Titanic
I. - Ice, by Linda Howard
T. - Titanic, #3 by Gordon Korman
A. - And the Band Played on, by Christopher Ward
N. - A Night to Remember, by Walter Lord
I. - Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer
C. - Crisp, Marty White Star: A Dog on the Titanic
Douglas Adams's Starship TitanicIceS.O.S. (Titanic, #3)And the Band Played onA Night to RememberInto Thin AirWhite Star  A Dog On The Titanic
H. - Her Name, Titanic, by Charles R. Pellegrino
U. - Unsinkable: The Molly Brown Story, by Joyce B. Lohse
N. - Nick Barratt = Lost Voices from the Titanic
D. - Dirk Pitt, #4 - Raise The Titanic!, by Clive Cussler
R. - Rogan, Charlotte = The Lifeboat
E. - Every Man for Himself, by Beryl Bainbridge
D. - Deadly Decisions, by Christopher Burns
T. - Turner, Steve = The Band that Played On:
The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the Titanic
H. - How to Survive the Titanic: Or, the Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay, by Frances Wilson
Her Name, TitanicUnsinkable  The Molly Brown StoryLost Voices from the TitanicRaise The Titanic!The LifeboatEvery Man for HimselfDeadly DecisionsThe Band That Played on  The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the TitanicHow to Survive the Titanic  Or, the Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay  With Earbuds