Update Time

It's that time of month again. Let's see how I'm doing...

18th & 19th Century Women Writers' Reading Challenge
My goal - 10
Read - 5

2009 100 + Reading Challenge
My goal - 100 +
Read - 74

Celebrate the Author
My goal - 12
Read - 5

Chunkster Challenge
My goal - 5
Read - 4

Romance Reading Challenge 2009
My goal - 10
Read - 7

Young Readers Challenge
My goal - 12
Read - 2

Book Awards III Challenge

I didn't finish Book Awards II Challenge, but I couldn't resist signing for Book Awards III. It's a little different this time around. You can check out the rules and sign up here.

My choices are:

1. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro - Booker Prize Winner 1989 *** Completed on October 30th, 2009 - my thoughts are here.

2. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke - Hugo Award Winner 2005 *** Completed on December 8th, 2009 - my thoughts are here.

3. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster - James Tait Black Memorial Prize 1924 *** Completed on November 6th, 2009 - my thoughts are here.

4. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz - Pulitzer Prize Winner 2008 *** Completed on October 5th, 2009 - my thoughts are here.

5. Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam - Giller Prize Winner 2006 *** Completed on October 26th, 2009 - my thoughts are here.

How to Buy a Love of Reading

To Carley Wells, words are the enemy. Her tutor’s innumerable SAT flashcards. Her personal trainer’s “fifty-seven pounds overweight” assessment. And the endless reading assignments from her English teacher, Mr. Nagel. When Nagel reports to her parents that she has answered “What is your favorite book” with “Never met one I liked,” they decide to fix what he calls her “intellectual impoverishment.” They will commission a book to be written just for her—one she’ll have to love—that will impress her teacher and the whole town of Fox Glen with their family’s devotion to the arts. They will be patrons— the Medicis of Long Island. They will buy their daughter The Love Of Reading.

Impossible though it is for Carley to imagine loving books, she is in love with a young bibliophile who cares about them more than anything. Anything, that is, but a good bottle of scotch. Hunter Cay, Carley’s best friend and Fox Glen’s resident golden boy, is becoming a stranger to her lately as he drowns himself in F. Scott Fitzgerald, booze, and Vicodin.

When the Wellses move writer Bree McEnroy—author of a failed meta-novel about Odysseus’ failed journey home through the Internet—into their mansion to write Carley’s book, Carley’s sole interest in the project is to distract Hunter from drinking and give them something to share. But as Hunter’s behavior becomes erratic and dangerous, she finds herself increasingly drawn into the fictional world Bree has created, and begins to understand for the first time the power of stories—those we read, those we want to believe in, and most of all, those we tell ourselves about ourselves. Stories powerful enough to destroy a person. Or save her.

Gossip Girl meets literature! Well, that's what my sister told me. And you know she was right. I'm not a fan of the show, but I've heard all about it. But back to the book...

I found it hard to get into the book early on, mainly because I thought the characters were lacking substance. But I kept on reading, and those characters that I thought of as shallow suddenly became interesting and full of complexities. Carley, a rich girl with a weight problem, who loves to watch TV and who cares for Hunter no matter what, and in her own way the she helps Bree discover a few things about herself. And Hunter the golden boy, who is fascinated with literature but has a addiction to alcohol and prescriptions drugs.

The story itself was entertaining, full of highs and lows, but it was also funny. And I loved the way the book ended. I enjoyed the concept of the book within a book. Even though I couldn't understand the story that Bree was trying to convey.

How to Buy a Love of Reading by Tanya Egan Gibson (4/5) General Fiction; Published: Dutton Adult (5/2009); New Author; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (74);

R.I.P.

I'm floored. Seriously. We've lost two talented people. Just wanted to share one of my favorites songs by Michael Jackson.

The Inn at Eagle Point

It's been years since Abby O'Brien Winters set foot in Chesapeake Shores. The Maryland town her father built has too many sad memories and Abby too few spare moments, thanks to her demanding Wall Street career, the crumbling of her marriage and energetic twin daughters. Then one panicked phone call from her youngest sister brings her racing back home to protect Jess's dream of renovating the charming Inn at Eagle Point.

But saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her own fractured family, but also with Trace Riley, the man Abby left ten years ago. Trace can be a roadblock to her plans…or proof that second chances happen in the most unexpected ways.

What is an older sister to do? When she gets a call of help from her younger sister Jess, Abby goes back home. She packs up her young twin daughters for a short stay at Chesapeake Shores. But that short stay turns to be a longer one when Trace Riley comes back into the picture.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the small touristy town; the characters - the O'Briens sound like a very interesting family, with a lot of possibilities; the hero and heroine were truly believable in their feelings and acts; I loved the relationship between the sisters, the bickering, the tough love, and even the anger in certain situations was true (if you have sister you know what I'm talking about). The book is about redeeming an old relationship: Abby and Trace's, to learn how to trust again, to let the old hurt in the past and to give their feelings a future. Mix into that an ex with an agenda that throws obstacles in Abby and Trace's relationship.

It was very entertaining. I enjoyed it so much, that I'll be looking for my own copy, because this one is from my local library. Any fans of Debbie Macomber? I'm sure you'll enjoy Sherryl Woods.

The Inn at Eagle Point by Sherryl Woods (4/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Mira (2009); Series: # 1, Chesapeake Shores; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (73);

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event that is co-hosted by Marg and Eva. And I'm a day late. I completely forgot about making the entry yesterday. It's been one of those weeks...

I'm slowly adding to my huge pile on my nightstand. From the last visit I've read only two books, and returned already two others that didn't interest me. Those two reviews will be posted soon. And I've yet to read The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale and Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas.

Are you curious on what came home with me?











You can join the fun here.

Fruit

I've been trying to read all the books suggested - along with the winners - for Canada Reads. For those who are not familiar with it it's a week long radio show (usually around March every year). Five books are selected by celebrity panelists, they have to read all books, and discuss and defend their choices. Each day a book is voted off, and at the end one is the winner.

Fruit by Brian Francis. It was defended by Jen Sookfong Lee.

The blurb was taken from CBC Radio:

It’s 1984 in Sarnia, Ontario, and 13-year-old Peter Paddington is mortified. He’s overweight, has few friends and a crazy family and, to top things off, he’s just sprouted a pair of talking nipples.

When the ridicule of the bullies in his eighth grade class at Clarkedale Elementary grows too much to bear, Peter retreats into his own vivid imagination. At night, he seeks solace in his “Bedtime Movies” — glamorous narratives, where he is always popular, famous and, most of all, loved. But by day, those pesky nipples won’t shut up. When they threaten to expose Peter’s innermost secrets and desires, he is forced to come up with a new plan, one that will help him finally accept himself.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I had a preconceived idea that I wouldn't like it, but I was hooked from the first paragraph. Which I just have to share:

My name is Peter Paddington. I just started grade 8 at Clarkedale Elementary School. Six days a week, I deliver the Sarnia Observer and the other day my nipples popped out.

Then, I just sat and read. And laughed, and laughed.

All thoroughout the book I thought poor kid, he has no real friends, with a dysfunctional family, his mother going through Menopause and he's going through puberty, plus he has weight issues. But the book was written in way that made it funny, because you kind of remember going through the change as well. But what was really touching was his confusion, actually his questions about his own sexuality. He likes girls but doesn't feel anything for them. He prefers boys, but he's afraid that that would make him a freak. Poor Peter.

I enjoyed the ending. In a way it was about a resolution and sticking to it. Even though his nipples were still talking to him. Yep, really...You need to read this book!

It was time well spent.

Fruit by Brian Francis (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: ECW Press (2004); New Author; Canadian Author; Canada Reads; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (72);

Lover Avenged

I've been waiting a long time to read Lover Avenged. I didn't expect the book to be this large it has a total of 527 pages. Wow! It's definitely a Chunkster.

Here's the blurb for Lover Avenged:

Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King, and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

I knew that this book was Rehv's but it was also Wrath's, Xhex's and John Matthew's. Don't get me wrong I like them all but it would have been nice to see a little more of Rehv.

And that leads me to the romance between him and Ehlena. Or the lack thereof. There wasn't any romance, no getting to know you. There was just sex! Ok, there's nothing wrong with sex(it is a romance, it's expected), but I would have like to see them to grow closer to each other. It just happened too quickly.

And then there's John Matthew. He's become one of my favorites. I enjoy on how honorable and somewhat naive that he was. Yep, was. He's developed a nasty shell and I kind of like it. There's an edginess to him that makes him more appealing. I just wish he was a little less of an ass when it came to Xhex. But I can't get into that...

Now...Wrath. It was nice to see him again. He's having issues with being King and wanting to help his Brothers, that he's risking his health and his relationship with Beth. I loved seeing his struggle with making difficult decisions.

The story itself was fast paced and dark. Which I've always enjoyed. The author sets the scenes wonderfully but the dialogue is starting to get too much. Seriously are there people that talk like that. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that the author threw at us, and I'm enjoying Lash as the super bad "lesser". He's great.

Overall I enjoyed Lover Avenged. It was much better than the previous book but it still isn't up to par to first few books of the series in my opinion.

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (4/5) Paranormal Romance; Vampires; Published: New American Library (5/2009); Series: # 7, Black Dagger Brotherhood; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (71); Chunkster Challenge (4)

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event that is co-hosted by Marg and Eva.

I absolutely love my local library, they have great staff, wonderful programs for children and their selection is varied and they're always looking for suggestions on improvement. I visit them every week. Yep, a few employees know me by name. So, this meme is right up my alley.

I actually made a pit stop there yesterday. I had an absurd amount of books waiting for me on the hold shelf. I'm afraid that I bit off more than I can chew...

Here's what came home with me:










You can join the fun here.

Vision In White

Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.

I have been reading on-line reviews of Vision In White and there's mixed feelings about the book. My expectations weren't very high, I wanted to like this book. Well, because it's Nora Roberts. And because she entertains me.

I found the first couple of chapters slow, I hate to admit this but I struggled with them. But it picked up and I'm happy say the I inhaled the rest. I enjoyed both Mac and Carter, and the developing of their relationship, I also lked the way Mac grew a spine with ther mother. But what I enjoyed the most was the friendship and the interaction between Mac, Laurel, Parker and Emma. I'm a sucker for a good friendship themed story.

Was this Nora Roberts at her best? No, it wasn't, in my opinion. But it was definitely entertaining. And that being said I'm looking forward to next book of the series, Bed of Roses.

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Berkley Trade (5/2009); Series: # 1, The Bride Quartet; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (70);

The Coffin Dancer

Detective Lincoln Rhyme, the foremost criminalist in the NYPD, is on the hunt for an elusive murderer, the Coffin Dancer. He's a brilliant hitman who changes his appearance even faster than he adds to his trail of victims, only one of whom has lived long enough to offer a clue: the assassin has an eerie tattoo on his arm of the Grim Reaper waltzing with a woman in front of a casket.

Like his previous bestselling novels A Maiden's Grave and The Bone Collector, Jeffery Deaver's latest psychological thriller combines spine-chilling forensic detail with a turbocharged plot. In The Coffin Dancer, Rhyme, tragically paralyzed from a line-of-duty accident, continues to tutor his beautiful protégé, Detective Amelia Sachs, in the art of criminal hunting. Rhyme is certain he's seen this killer before, and his suspicion of an earlier encounter fuels a bitter taste for vengeance. When the chameleonlike assassin targets three federal witnesses for death, the stakes reach a new high. Rhyme's brainpower and Sachs's legwork are the only tools they have to track the cunning murderer through the subways, parks, and airports of a darkly painted New York City. And they have only forty-eight hours before the Coffin Dancer strikes again.

With The Coffin Dancer, Deaver -- already an internationally bestselling author whose acclaimed novels have been translated into a dozen languages -- uses his trademark plot twists to keep this fast-paced, masterly thriller steamrolling along with breathtaking speed. This is page-turning suspense of the highest order.

The Coffin Dancer is the second of the Rhyme and Sachs series by Jeffery Deaver. It takes place a year after the first book, The Bone Collector. In this book Rhyme needs to find the notorious killer, The coffin dancer, before he kills the witnesses of a federal case.

I enjoyed how fast paced the book was. It had me on the edge of my seat, always wondering what else could happen. I enjoyed re-visiting the old characters, and the newly introduced ones were great. I liked Percey, found her to be a strong person, considering what was happening to her. I loved, loved the developing relationship between Linc and Amelia. Can't wait to see what happens next with them.

I was completely surprised with the twists at the end of the book. Wow. I didn't see those coming. But I loved it!

The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver (4/5) Mystery Thriller; Published: Simon & Schuster; Series: # 2, Rhyme and Sachs; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (69);

At Last Comes Love

Only desperation could bring Duncan Pennethorne, the infamous Earl of Sheringford, back home after the spectacular scandal that had shocked even the jaded ton. Forced to wed in fifteen days or be cut off without a penny, Duncan chooses the one woman in London in frantic need of a husband. A lie to an old flame forces Margaret Huxtable to accept the irresistible stranger’s offer. But once she discovers who he really is, it’s too late—she’s already betrothed to the wickedly sensual rakehell. Quickly she issues an ultimatum: If Duncan wants her, he must woo her. And as passion slowly ignites, two people marrying for all the wrong reasons are discovering the joys of seduction—and awaiting the exquisite pleasure of what comes after...

After getting her sisters married and knowing that her younger brother is set, Meg Huxtable decides it's time to get married, and the next time the Marquess of Allingham proposes she'll accept. But something happens...actually two things: Crispin Dew, her former secret fiance, who broke her heart years ago, wants her back. And then she finds out that the Marquess is already engaged. She running out of options fast...and then she introduces a stranger as her fiance to Crispin. The stranger just happens to be the infamous Earl of Sheringford. Five years earlier he eloped with a married woman, now dead. He is back in ton to look for a wife, not because he wants to, but because he needs to.

I love the way Meg and Duncan's story begins, and I have to share it with you (taken from page 43):
"Excuse me," she said when his grip on her arms did not loosen.
"Why?" he asked her, his eyes roaming boldly over her face. "What is your hurry? Why not stay and dance with me? And then marry me and live happily ever after with me?"

I found this story heartwarming, sensual, and full of surprises. The first surprise was Meg, in the previous two books I found her dull, in this one she shows strength of characters and the willingness to make her own decisions without the "help" of her family. The other was Duncan, the rake with a heart of gold, he truly was a wonderful character. Although I found him too good to be true at times. And there's the real reason for Duncan's elopement. I refuse to spoil it for you...You just have read it!

The most surprising aspect of the book was the honesty that existed between Meg and Duncan right from the beginning. I found that very refreshing.

This one is my favorite of the series. And I can't imagine what the author has planned for Stephen's story, he seems to be a perfect gentleman, maybe she'll add some spice to his life. And there's Con...he sparked my curiosity in the first book and it hasn't deminished. I hope he has his own story.

At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Dell (5/2009); Series: # 3, The Huxtables; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (68);