2009 in Review

I took on four challenges this year. I completed the Support Your Local Library challenge first, and decided to do it at a higher level for this year. The second one I finished was the Suspense and Thriller Challenge. The third was the 100+ Challenge.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it on the World Citizen Challenge. I am part way done with the two books to finish it, but when I came down with a bad cold last weekend--which has hung on all week--I knew I wouldn't make it. These aren't the kind of books I want to read with a fogged brain. I'll finish the challenge, but not in 2009.

I'm in the middle of five books right now, which is a bit frustrating, because none of them can count for 2010. One of them needs to be finished before I can move on, the rest are all going to be long-term reads.

Still one to go

I am still working on my World Citizen Challenge. I think I'll make it. Three more books, and one is partially read.

Historical! Gotta do it!

Obviously, I have to do this challenge. Twelve works of historical fiction in a year. I'm calling this my "no challenge." But it will be fun. And it will overlap a bit with my TBR and Read Before I Die Challenges.

1. Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer (2/9/2010) (Historical Romance)
2. The Known World by Edward P. Jones (2/18/2010) (Historical Fiction)
3. Bellfield Hall by Anna Dean (3/5/2010) (Historical Mystery)
4. Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer (3/16/2010) (Historical Romance)
5. Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer (3/25/2010) (Historical Romance)
6. The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer (4/14/2010) (Historical Fiction)
7.  These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (4/25) (Historical Romance)
8.  Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer (5/18/2010) (Historical Romance)
9.  Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer (5/29/2010) (Historical Romance)
10. A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer (9/23/2010) (Historical Romance)
11. New York by Edward Rutherfurd (10/24/2010) (Historical Fiction)
12. Five of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which are--I would say--fictionalized history
13. The Secret Eleanor by Cecelia Holland (12/31/2010) (Historical Fiction)

One More: The TBR Pile

I really have a ton of books on my TBR pile. I need this challenge. The rules:
** Pick 12 books that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)
I will highlight and date the books as I finish them.

1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (11/30/2010)
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
3. The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky
4. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (2/3/2010)
5. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1/6/2010)
6. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (3/8/2010)
7. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston
8. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (9/8/2010)
9. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfus
10. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (12/14/2010)
11. The Forgotten Man by Amity Shales
12. The Known World by Edward P. Jones (2/18/2010)
Alternates:
1. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (7/20/2010)
2. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
3. Thunderstruck by Erik Larson
4. Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir
5. The Fate of Africa by Martin Meredith
6. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald (12/26/2010)
7. Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by Jim Webb (12/7/2010)
8. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin
9. The Stand by Stephen King (4/9/2010)
10. Kristin Lavransdattar by Sigrid Undset

Books to Read Before I Die Challenge

This challenge will give me some much-needed discipline. I need to make a list of between 10 and 20 books that I want to read before I die that I will read this year. I have until December 31 to finalize this list.

I will highlight and date them as I read them.

1. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
2. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (7/20/2010)
3. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (2/3/2010)
4. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1/6/2009)
5. How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn
6. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (9/8/2010)
7. Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien
8. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (12/14/2010)
9. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald (12/26/2010)
10. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Support Your Local Library 2010

This is another challenge that I really enjoyed this year. For 2009 I chose the 25 book level for this challenge. For 2010 I am increasing it to 50. I have been trying to spend less money on books by being more judicious about which ones I buy. In the process I managed to read a lot more library books this year.

1. Step Out on Nothing by Byron Pitts (1/1/10) (Memoir)
2. The Spire by Richard North Patterson (1/3/10) (Legal Thriller)
3. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon (1/5/10) (Science Fiction)
4. Ford County by John Grisham (1/7/2009)(Short Stories)
5. Retail Hell by Freeman Hall (1/9/20010) (Memoir)
6. I, Alex Cross by James Patterson (1/12/2010) (Detective Fiction)
7. One Second After by William R. Forstchen (1/14/2010) (Speculative Fiction)
8. The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker (1/15/2010) (Fiction)
9. The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood (1/21/2009)(Science Fiction)
10. Rough Country by John Sandford (1/25/2010) (Crime Fiction)
11. Second Nature by Michael Pollan (1/29/2010) (Nonfiction)
12. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb (1/31/2010) (Crime Fiction)
13. True Blue by David Baldacci (2/5/2010) (Murder Mystery)
14. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton (2/7/2010) (Murder Mystery)
15. Julie and Julia by Julie Powell (2/7/2010) (Memoir)
16. The Last Knight by Norman F. Cantor (2/8/2010) (Non-Fiction/History)
17. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (2/11/2010) (Fiction)
16. Hungry by Crystal Renn (2/13/2010) (Memoir)
17. The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming (2/22/2010)(Historical/Time Travel Fiction)
18. Kindred by Octavia Butler (2/22/2010) (Historical/Time Travel Fiction)
19. Blood Game by Iris Johansen (2/25/2010) (Crime/Paranormal Fiction)
20. The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov (3/1/2010) (Fiction)
21. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly (3/4/2010) (Crime Fiction)
22. Bellfield Hall by Anna Dean (3/5/2010) (Historical Mystery) (Historical)
23. Harry Potter's Bookshelf by John Granger (3/8/2010) (Non-Fiction)
24. Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child (3/9/2010) (Thriller)
25. Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan (3/13/2010) (Short Stories)
26. Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer (3/16/2010) (Historical Romance)
27. Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer (3/25/2010) (Historical Romance)
28. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhonda Janzen (3/28/2010) (Memoir)
29. Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink (3/31/2010) (Non-fiction)
30. The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel (4/1/2010) (Fiction)
31. The Stand by Stephen King (4/9/2010) (Fiction) (TBR)
32. The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer (4/14/2010) (Historical Fiction)
33.  Deception by Jonathan Kellerman (4/15/2010) (Murder Mystery)
34. The Wild Zone by Joy Fielding (4/21/2010)(Fiction)
35. Growing Up bin Laden by Najwa bin Laden, Omar bin Laden, Jean P. Sasson (4/22/2010) (Memoir)
36.  These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (4/25) (Historical Romance)
37. Knives at Dawn: America's Quest for Culinary Glory at the Legendary Bocuse d'Or Competition by Andrew Friedman (5/5/2010) (Nonfiction)
38. The Ninth Judgment by James Patterson (5/15/2010) (Fiction)
39. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (5/19/2010) (Memoir/Self-help)
40.  Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson (5/23/2010) (Murder Mystery)
41. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart (6/1/2010) (Post-Apocalyptic Fiction)
42.  This Body of Death by Elizabeth George (6/8/2010) (Murder Mystery)
43. Worst Case by James Patterson (6/9/2010) (Police/serial killer mystery)
44. Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline (6/19/2010) (Thriller)
45. SuperFreakonomics by Steven Levitt (6/22/2010) (Nonfiction)
46.  Chef: A Novel by Jaspreet Singh (6/28/2010) (Fiction)
47. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor (7/4/2010) (Fiction)
48.  The Dead Lie Down by Sophie Hannah (7/17/2010 (Mystery)
49. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (7/19/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
50.  The Rule of Nine by Steve Martini (7/23/2010) (Political Thriller)

Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph Hallinan (7/27/2010) (Non-fiction)

 Aunt Epp's Guide for Life by Elspeth Marr  (7/28/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
 The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker (7/31/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
Shadow Zone by Iris Johansen (8/6/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson (Non-fiction) (Audiobook) (Library)
The Burning Wire by Jeffery Deaver (Thriller) (Library)

2010 100+

I'm going to do the 100+ Reading Challenge again. I really enjoyed it this year. This is where I'll be listing my books when the time comes. It is a simple challenge: Read 100+ books. Lots of flexibility!

For my own record keeping I'm going to note what genre the book is and if it fulfills any other challenges.

1. Step Out on Nothing by Byron Pitts (1/1/10) (Memoir) (Library)
2. The Spire by Richard North Patterson (1/3/10) (Legal Thriller) (Library)
3. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon (1/5/10) (Science Fiction) (Library)
4. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1/6/2010) (Classic Novel) (TBR) (Before I Die)
5. Ford County by John Grisham (1/7/2010) (Short Stories) (Library)
6. Retail Hell by Freeman Hall (1/9/2010) (Memoir) (Library)
7. I, Alex Cross by James Patterson (1/12/2010) (Detective Fiction) (Library)
8. One Second After by William R. Forstchen (1/14/2010) (Speculative Fiction) (Library)
9. The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker (1/15/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
10. The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood (1/21/2010)(Science Fiction) (Library)
11. Rough Country by John Sandford (1/25/2010) (Crime Fiction) (Library)
12. Second Nature by Michael Pollan (1/29/2010) (Nonfiction)(Library)
13. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb (1/31/2010) (Crime Fiction) (Library)
14. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (2/3/2010) (Classic Novel) (TBR) (Before I Die)
15. True Blue by David Baldacci (2/5/2010) (Murder Mystery) (Library)
16. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton (2/7/2010) (Murder Mystery) (Library)
17. Julie and Julia by Julie Powell (2/7/2010) (Memoir) (Library)
18. The Last Knight by Norman F. Cantor (2/8/2010) (Non-Fiction/History) (Library)
19. Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer (2/9/2010) (Historical Romance) (Historical)
20. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (2/11/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
21. Hungry by Crystal Renn (2/13/2010) (Memoir) (Library)
22. The Known World by Edward P. Jones (2/18/2010)(Historical Fiction) (TBR) (Historical)
23. The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming (2/22/2010)(Historical/Time Travel Fiction) (Library)
24. Kindred by Octavia Butler (2/22/2010) (Historical/Time Travel Fiction)(Library)
25. Blood Game by Iris Johansen (2/25/2010) (Crime/Paranormal Fiction) (Library)
26. The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov (3/1/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
27. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly (3/4/2010) (Crime Fiction) (Library)
28. Bellfield Hall by Anna Dean (3/5/2010) (Historical Mystery) (Library) (Historical)
29. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (3/8/2010) (SciFi/Fantasy) (TBR)
30. Harry Potter's Bookshelf by John Granger (3/8/2010) (Non-Fiction) (Library)
31. Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child (3/9/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
32. Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan (3/13/2010) (Short Stories) (Library)
33. Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer (3/16/2010) (Historical Romance) (Library) (Historical)
34. Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer (3/25/2010) (Historical Romance) (Library) (Historical)
35. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhonda Janzen (3/28/2010) (Memoir) (Library)
36. Look Again by Lisa Scottoline (3/30/2010) (Thriller)
37. Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink (3/31/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
38. The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel (4/1/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
39. The Stand by Stephen King (4/9/2010) (Fiction) (Library) (TBR)
40. The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer (4/14/2010) (Historical Fiction) (Library) (Historical)
41. Deception by Jonathan Kellerman (4/15/2010) (Murder Mystery) (Library)
42. The Wild Zone by Joy Fielding (4/21/2010)(Fiction)(Library)
43. Growing Up bin Laden by Najwa bin Laden, Omar bin Laden, Jean P. Sasson (4/22/2010) (Memoir) (Library)
44. These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (4/25/2010) (Historical Romance)(Library) (Historical)
45. Knives at Dawn: America's Quest for Culinary Glory at the Legendary Bocuse d'Or Competition by Andrew Friedman (5/5/2010) (Nonfiction) (Library)
46. My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster(5/7/2010) (Memoir)
47. In the Name of Honor by Richard North Patterson(5/13/2010) (Fiction)
48. The Ninth Judgment by James Patterson (5/15/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
49. Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer (5/18/2010) (Historical Romance) (Historical)
50. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (5/19/2010) (Memoir/Self-help) (Library)
51. Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson (5/23/2010) (Murder Mystery) (Library)
52. Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer (5/29/2010) (Historical Romance) (Historical)
53. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart (6/1/2010) (Post-Apocalyptic Fiction) (Library)
54. This Body of Death by Elizabeth George (6/8/2010) (Murder Mystery) (Library)
55. Worst Case by James Patterson (6/9/2010) (Police/serial killer mystery) (Library)
56. The Overton Window by Glenn Beck (6/17/2010) (Political Thriller)
57. Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline (6/19/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
58. SuperFreakonomics by Steven Levitt (6/22/2010) (Nonfiction) (Library)
59. Chef: A Novel by Jaspreet Singh (6/28/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
102. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (6/30/2010) Missed it!!
60. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor (7/4/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
61. The Dead Lie Down by Sophie Hannah (7/17/2010 (Mystery) (Library)
62. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (7/19/2010) (Fiction) (Library)
63. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (7/20/2010) (Fiction) (TBR) (BeforeI Die)
64. The Rule of Nine by Steve Martini (7/23/2010) (Political Thriller) (Library)
65. Fever Dream by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (7/27/2010) (Thriller)
66. Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph Hallinan (7/27/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
67. Aunt Epp's Guide for Life by Elspeth Marr  (7/28/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
68. The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker (7/31/2010) (Non-fiction) (Library)
69. Shadow Zone by Iris Johansen (8/6/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
70. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson (8/13/2010) (Non-fiction) (Audiobook) (Library)
71. The Burning Wire by Jeffery Deaver (8/16/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
72. Hangman by Faye Kellerman (8/21/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
73. In Harm's Way  by Ridley Pearson (8/24/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
74. The Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (8/27/2010) (Young Adult) (Dystopian Fiction)
75. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (8/28/2010) (Juvenile)
76. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (8/29/2010)
77. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder (8/30/2010)
78. The Postcard Killers by James Patterson (9/1/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
79. 61 Hours by Lee Child (9/3/2010) (Thriller) (Library)
80. By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder (9/4/2010)
81. Our Culture, What's Left of It by Theodore Dalrymple (9/6/2010)(Nonfiction) (Library)
82. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder (9/6/2010)
83. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (9/8/2010) (Historical Fiction-Africa) (TBR) (Before I Die)
84. Retro Housewife by Kristin Tillotson (9/8/2010) (Nonfiction) (Library)
85. Cheap Cabernet by Cathie Beck (9/15/2010) (Memoir)(ARC)
86. The Secret History of Fantasy Edited by Peter Beagle (9/19/2010) (Short Stories) (Fantasy) (Library)
87. The Barefoot Book by Daniel Howell (9/20/2010) (Nonfiction) (ARC)
88. A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer (9/23/2010) (Historical Romance) (Library)
89. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve (9/25/2010) (Science Fiction) (Library)
90. Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve (9/29/2010) (Science Fiction) (Library)
91. Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve (10/2/2010) (Science Fiction) (Library)
92.  Infernal Devices by Philip Reeve (10/4/2010) (Science Fiction) (Library)
93. A Darkling Plain by Philip Reeve (10/7/2010) (Science Fiction) (Library)
94. New York by Edward Rutherfurd (10/24/2010) (Historical Fiction)
 95. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (10/31/2010) (Classic Fiction)
96. Machine of Death by Ryan North (11/17/2010) (Short Stories)
97. Low Country by Bill Kte'pi (11/19/2010)
98. Warlord by Ted Bell (11/28/2010) (Political Thriller)
99. Water for Elephants (11/30/2010) (Fiction) (Library) (TBR)
100. Inside Job by Connie Willis (12/6/2010) (Novella) (Library)
101. Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by Jim Webb (12/7/2010) (History)(TBR)
103. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (12/14/2010) (Classic Fiction) (TBR) (Before I Die)
104. Winter Solstice by Rosamonde Pilcher (12/16/2010)
105. A Web of Air by Philip Reeve (12/19/2010)
106. Worth Dying For by Lee Child (12/24/2010)
107. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald (12/26/2010) (TBR) (Before I Die) (Gaps)
108. 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik (12/27/2010) (Non-Fiction) (ARC)
109. The Secret Eleanor by Cecelia Holland (12/31/2010) (Historical)

Post 100 Book Challenge

After I got through my 100 book challenge I felt a let down. I was done. I had read my 100 books. That, on top of the fact that book 99 left me feeling dissatisfied with everything else I picked up slowed me down for a while, but getting to stay home for a few days with a cold got me going again.

So, since I passed 100, what have I read?

Life Among the Lutherans by Garrison Keillor (Humor)
Arguing With Idiots by Glenn Beck (Non-fiction, politics)
The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews (Chick Lit)
Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton
Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer (Regency Romance)
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by Jame Patterson
Going Rogue by Sarah Palin (Memoir, Politics)
Liar by Justine Larbalestier (YA Fiction)
Alex Cross's Trial (Historical Fiction)

Challenge complete

I have finished my 100+ book challenge for this year.

The finish was strangely unsatisfying, partially because I finished book 99 on October 24 and was sure I'd be done in October. But book 99 was so good that I had trouble settling in to another book. I've read bits and pieces of several since then, managing, finally to finish number 100 on November 2.

Tomorrow I'll post an analysis of what I've read so far this year. I still have one challengethat I'm working on.

Book preview

One of the really enjoyable books that I have read this year is Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe. I found out today that the author has another book coming out November 1, Willoughby's Return. The first was a sequel, of sorts, to Pride and Prejudice and the new one is a sequel to Sense and Sensibility. I tend to be hard to please when it comes to books that are companions to Jane Austen's novels, but I found Ms. Odiwe's first book delightful, and look forward to reading this one.

For more about the new book, and all kinds of Austenalia visit the author's blog.

Quick Book Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston has been in my TBR pile for over a year. With nothing lined up to read, and having just read an article about Hurston, I grabbed it and started reading. I was quickly pulled in by the character Janie. This was a wonderful book. It takes a bit of work to read the parts that are in dialect, but it is worth it. Her writing is poetic and the book tells very vividly of a time and place previously unknown to many of us.

My favorite books on learning and homeschooling

I have received several requests over the years for a list of must-read books on homeschooling. Last week a friend suggested that this would make a great blog post. So here it is. There may be some newer books that are missing. Since we've been at this for fourteen years, some of these may not be the most current books. I'm sure there are other worthwhile books that I haven't seen, but each of these is a gem.

You'll notice that many of these books tend toward learning theory and the unschooly. Well, that's me. I would argue that it would be good for anyone, homeschooler or not, to read the Gatto books. And any parent would be well-served by reading the Moores, John Holt, and Cindy Tobias.

Better Late Than Early by Raymond and Dorothy Moore
This is a book that I wish every parent and teacher of young children would read. I read this as the stressed out mother of a non-reading seven year old and it probably saved my sons academic life and my sanity.

The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn
This book isn't perfect, but as a homeschooling mom it really helped me to free myself from some of the school baggage I was carrying, and to free my children in turn.

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
Weapon's of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto
I consider these the "why to" books of homeschooling. Dumbing Us Down helped to bolster my flagging courage early on by reminding me that what my kids were missing wasn't all that great. These books are especially helpful when you are having to deal with critical and skeptical family members or if you--like me--spend lots of time asking yourself if you are ruining your kids' lives.

How Children Learn
How Children Fail
Learning All the Time all by Jon Holt (You can find all three on this page.)
I didn't always agree with Holt, but overall found his writing about learning to make so much sense.

The Unschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith
The closest thing to a how-to book on this list. So many people want to know HOW to unschool. Mary Griffith gives lots of ideas and helps to paint some pictures of what unschooling looks like.

The Way They Learn
Every Child Can Succeed by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
Both of these books are easy, quick, straight forward looks at learning styles and how to work with your child's strengths.

Homeschooling: A Family's Journey by Martine & Gregory Millman
This is the story of one family's homeschooling journey. Here is the review I wrote when I read it.

This is not an exhaustive list. I have enjoyed other homeschooling books over the years, but these are those that I believe are the most important and have contributed the most to our success and enjoyment of this journey. What are some of your favorites?

Book Review: Little Heathens

This book is the conversation I wish I'd had with my own grandmothers. Mildred Armstrong Kalish fills us in on the daily life of a child on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. This book left me with a nostalgic yearning for the simpler life they had, in spite of the fact that their lives were also far harder. There is much to be learned from their thrift and capacity for hard work. A few of the reviews I've read didn't appreciate the recipes that were included. Maybe it's because I'm a hou...more I just finished Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression by Mildred Armstrong Kalish.

This book is the conversation I wish I'd had with my own grandmothers.

Mildred Armstrong Kalish fills us in on the daily life of a child on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. This book left me with a nostalgic yearning for the simpler life they had, in spite of the fact that their lives were also far more difficult. There is much to be learned from their thrift and capacity for hard work.

A few of the reviews I've read didn't appreciate the recipes for things that they ate that were included. Maybe it's because I'm a housewife, mother, from-scratch cook, and lover of all things food, but I enjoyed the recipes. In fact, the apple cream pie will be on our table this Sunday

Book Review: The Red Leather Diary

I finished The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel last night and, for the most part, I liked it. It was a very interesting look at life in New York as a brilliant, rather privileged teen-aged girl named Florence in the period from 1929-1934. It is also the story of how the author found her diary and then her, a ninety year old woman.

I loved the glimpses of old New York and the artistic circles Florence moved in. Her personal story was interesting. However, I found myself not liking her very much. I grew impatient with her self-centeredness and lack of morals. However, I didn't dislike her enough to make me dislike the book.

Progress report

I am now 3/4 of the way done with the 100 Book Challenge. I only read seven books in June and eight in May, which is definitely off my pace, but this has been SUCH a busy summer!

I have also finished the Suspense and Thriller Challenge. So I have finished two of my four challenges. I am still way behind on the World Citizen Challenge. I think that the all of the heaviness I feel about what is happening to our country is making it hard for me to read about world affairs. I am enjoying my reading as an escape. I need to work on it, though.

I read my first re-read book this year. I just finished the first Harry Potter book for the third time. I needed something easy this week and didn't have anything from the library that fit the bill. I've been wanting to work my way back through the series before the movie version of #7 comes out next year, so now seemed like a good time to start.

I'm still loving Georgette Heyer. The Grand Sophy is one of my favorites so far. I have a big pile from the library, but I picked up a book at B&N today on our way to the movie theater and started reading it while we waited. The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel sucked me right in, so I'll be finishing it before I get to the library books, unles something changes..

Update on challenges

I decided to look at my progress so far with my reading challenges. As of Monday, I was halfway through the 100 book reading challenge. The books in orange are completed. For reasons of my own insanity, I moved number one down to where it was actually completed. I've stopped adding "to read" books to the list, because I may not get them read this year and they make it too confusing.

So at this point in the year I have read 51 books. Sixteen of them are non-fiction. A number of those are memoirs. The largest number, seventeen are mysteries, thrillers, cop, spy, or something else of that sort. There's way more Chick Lit than I should read in a year, if ever, but it got me through February and March.

2. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
3. The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper (finished 2/20/2009)
4. Albion's Seed by David Hackett Fisher
5. A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffery Archer (finished 1/27/2009)
6. A Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein (finished 1/3/2009
7. The Reagan I Knew by William F. Buckley, Jr. (finished 2/12/2009)
8. Grace Upon Grace by John W. Kleinig
9. Cruel and Usual Punishment: The terrifying global implications of Islamic Law by Nonie Darwish (finished 1/15/2009)
10. Bones by Jonathan Kellerman (finished 1/7/2009)
11. Archy and Mehitabel by Don Marquis (finished 1/7/2009)
12. Homeschooling: A Family's Journey by Gregory and Martine Millman (finished 1/8/2009)
13. Heat Lightning by John Sandford (finished 1/12/2009)
14. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (finished 1/12/2009)
15. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (finished 1/17/2009)
16. Cross Country by James Patterson (finished 1/19/2009)
17. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly (finished 1/22/2009)
18. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell (finished 1/23/2009)
19. How the Missouri Synod Was Born by Rev Dr. William Gustave Polack (finished 1/23/2009)
20. King's Blood Four by Sherri Tepper (finished 1/25/2009)
21. Terrorist by John Updike (finished 2/2/2009)
22. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell (finished 2/4/2009)
23. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb (finished 2/7/2009)
24. Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe (finished 2/8/2009)
25. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (finished 2/10/2009)
26. Red River by Lalita Tademy (finished 2/15/2009)
27. Run for Your Life by James Patterson (finished 2/18/2009)
28. A Red State of Mind by Nancy French (finished 2/23/2009)
29. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (finished 2/24/2009)
30. The Survivor's Club by Ben Sherwood (finished 2/28/2009)
31. Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger (finished 3/2/2009)
32. The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards (finished 3/4/2009)
33. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb (finished 3/11/2009)
34. Class Matters by Correspondents of the New York Times (finished 3/12/2009)
35. Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn (finished 3/13/2009)
36. Sullivan's Law by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg (finished 3/15/2009)
37. Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto (finished 3/19/2009)
38. Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult (finished 3/21/2009)
39. Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (finished 3/26/2009)
40. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (finished 4/1/2009)
41. The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution by Kevin R.C. Gutzman, Ph.D., J.D. (4/7/2009)
42. The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn (4/8/2009)
43. True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman (4/13/20089)
45. Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb (4/17/2009)
46. Food Matters by Mark Bittman (4/19/2009)
47. Certain Jeopardy by Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky (4/22/2009)
48. Divine Justice by David Baldacci (4/27/2009)
49. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb (4/30/2009)
50. The 8th Confession by James Patterson (5/2/2009)
51. A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America by Shelby Steele (5/4/2009)
52. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (5/7/2009)
53. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen (5/9/2009)
1. Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster (5/11/2009)
54. The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer (5/13/2009)

I have completed my Support Your Local Library Challenge and have three more books to read for my Suspense and Thriller Challenge. I need to get back to work on my World Citizen Challenge. I have some books picked out for this one. I just need to read them. Right now I have read two of seven, so I am behind.

Book Review: Pretty in Plaid

I almost never buy hardback books, but I was not waiting for Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster to come out in paperback. This is the fourth book of her memoirs, and is a prequel of sorts, carrying us back to her '70s and '80s childhood. I put it at the top of my reading list for the year when I found out back in January that it was coming in May.

I'm sure that Jen isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I love her books. Maybe it's because I can identify with so much of her background. Maybe it's because she has done a lot of things that I would have liked to do, but didn't. Maybe it's because she can be so honest about her failings and still have such unfailingly high self-esteem.

Or maybe it's just because she is absolutely hilarious.

I laugh out loud when I read her books, and that is a rare thing. And it was totally worth it to go ahead and buy the hardback.

Book Review: The Survival Handbook

I am an indoor girl. Sure, I enjoy watching Survivorman with my sons, but I like civilization. I hope I never have to use much of the information that is in The Survival Handbook:Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure, but if I need it, the book is likely to be a great help. I particularly like the clear instructions for finding and preparing water and food and the first aid section.

Because of my lack of expertise in surviving without four walls and indoor plumbing, I asked my husband to take a look at the book. He is an avid hiker, backpacker, and sleep-in-the-woods kind of guy. I was lucky to get the book back. He spent two straight evenings going through page by page, and at the end pronounced the book "very useful."

He liked the variety of information presented. He and I both liked the illustrations, always a strength of DK books. I, personally, miss the classic DK look with photos and clean crisp type, but that is just a stylistic preference and doesn't affect the effectiveness of the book.

Lots of good information. Clearly presented. This book is a keeper, even for an indoor girl like me.

Book Review: Certain Jeopardy

Certain Jeopardy was an enjoyable book. The story was well-told and the characters were believable.

Co-written by an Army Chaplain and an author of many Christian books, it is the story of a Special Ops team on a mission to Venezuela. As the story moved to its conclusion the fast-paced action kept me reading. I enjoyed the way the authors wove the lives of the families back home in throughout the story.

I don't usually enjoy Christian fiction, because so often the belief seems to drive the story. In this book the story was told, and the Christian belief was a part of it, but in a way that fit the story and made sense. It also wasn't simplistic in the Christian/good, not Christian/bad way that I have seen at times in Christian fiction. Not all of the characters were Christians. The leader of the team, arguably the main character, was not, and was presented as a decent man. From a theological point of view, I liked it that this book didn't present belief as a cure-all that would make all of the characters' problems disappear.

Some reviewers have found the lack of swearing disconcerting--it is referred to, but not written--as such language tends to be de rigeur in books involving the military. I found its absence refreshing. I know it's realistic, and it doesn't keep me from reading other books, but it's nice to have a break from it.

Not a great work of literature, but a decent and entertaining read.

It's a book meme

Found this at RAsburry's Res. If you want to do it, consider yourself tagged and let me know in the comments that you answered it.

Book Confessions Meme

1. To mark your page you: use a bookmark, bend the page corner, leave the book open face down?
Bookmark, post-it note, receipt, or--once in a while--dog ear. Never leave it open. That's a good way to lose a page.

2. Do you lend your books?
Yes. And frequently lose track of them, buy a new one, and then get the original back.

3. You find an interesting passage: you write in your book or NO WRITING IN BOOKS!
Yes, I write in books. I know a book is particularly good if it has lots of underlinings, exclamation points, and turned down pages to mark something i want to go back to.

4. Dust jackets - leave it on or take it off.
Take it off, read the book, put it back on.

5. Hard cover, paperback, skip it and get the audio book?
Don't care if it's hard or paper, although paper is cheaper. Audi books very rarely. Harry Potter for long trips with kids. A few others because hearing the author read hisown words was too good a chance to pass up.

6. Do you shelve your books by subject, author, or size and color of the book spines?Mostly by subject, but there are books everywhere in this house. Sometimes I'll tell one of the kids, "I think it's in the pile under my bedside table. If not there check the shelf along the basement stairs or over by the family room book shelf."

7. Buy it or borrow it from the library later?
I borrow most fiction from the library, except classics. Sometimes I'll borrow non-fiction and find it so good that I go buy it.

8. Do you put your name on your books - scribble your name in the cover, fancy bookplate, or stamp?
Write it in.

9. Most of the books you own are rare and out of print books or recent publications?
Mine are a bit of everything.

10. Page edges - deckled or straight?
Who cares?

11. How many books do you read at one time?
I have lots of books going at any given time.

12. Be honest, ever tear a page from a book?
No, but when I worked in a book store I had to tear covers off of remainders and it almost killed me.

One challenge down

I just realized that I forgot to post when I finished one of my challenges last month.

I completed the Support Your Local Library Challenge. It's a good thing, too, because my to-read pile of books I own is threatening to take over my room!

More quick reviews

I promised some new reviews a while back. I've finally decided it's time for a round up of the last several books I've read. So here are some quick reviews:

Red River by Lalita Tademy probably deserves a review of its own, but I've just been too busy. Like Cane River before it, this is a fictionalized telling of some of Tademy's family history. Red River adds some historical punch by also incorporating the so-called Colfax Riot of 1873. This is very good historical fiction, and the story of Tademy's forbears is inspiring.

A Red State of Mind by Nancy French was a very amusing book that tells about her experience as a conservative former Catfish Queen from Tennessee living among liberals on the east coast. She manages to make us laugh at the condescension and ridicule that she put up with, and her self-deprecating sense of humor makes her every day life look hilarious.

The Survivor's Club was an interesting--if slightly repetitive--look at survival. Ben Sherwood weaves together anecdotes about people who survived plane crashes, ship wrecks, animal attacks, etc. with the science of survival and hints about hot to increase your own survive-ability.

Class Matters is a compilation of the work of a number of New York Times writers. It is composed of a number of stories, about different individuals, originally published in the Times. The stories were interesting, but I found many of the premises and conclusions questionable, including the underlying premise that most Americans think that this is a classless society. I would wager that most Americans recognize that there are social classes in America, as in all countries. It also seemed to me that too many times these writers confused class with income. Paul Fussell's Class is a better look at the subject.

In a day or two I may tackle the fiction.

Tally thus far

This post has no purpose, other than assuaging my own curiosity. I know how many books I've read this year, and how much progress I am making on my other challenges. But I am curious about what kind of books I've read so far.

First, I have four books in progress, all of them non-fiction.

I have read nine books this year so far that are non-fiction. Four of those are memoirs of one sort or another. One is biographical. One is history. Two are roughly sociology. I'm not sure how to categorize the final one.

I have read 22 works of fiction. The largest number of those, 11, are mystery, suspense, or something of the sort. Four are Chick Lit. Two are sci-fi or fantasy. One is historical fiction. One is poetry. One is juvenile fiction. One is more serious contemporary fiction. One is a Pride & Prejudice take -off.

One big glaring hole is that I have read no classic literature this year. I've also read less history than usual, although one book that is in progress is history. I've also read more constitutional history and commentary than the list would indicate, because I've been reading for my class, but not entire books.

As I said, this is just for my own information. Last year's challenge was in categories, and I liked that bit of discipline.

Reviews coming

I just finished two non-fiction books that I greatly enjoyed. I am going to review both, probably tomorrow.

Why am I posting that I'm going to review them? Because it will make me do it.

Book Review: The House at Sugar Beach

Every time I went into a Starbucks for several months, I picked up a copy of The House at Sugar Beach, a memoir by Helene Cooper, and looked at it. I put a hold on it at the library, but after several months, I ran out of patience, so I finally bought the book

I have always been interested in African history, particularly that of West Africa. One reason I was drawn to this particular book is that I have a friend who grew up in Liberia. Although her background is different than that of the author, the country--and the war--is the same. And, although they left Liberia at different times, both of them had to flee the violence at about the same age.

Helene Cooper is a descendant of some of the first freemen from America who settled in Liberia in the 1820s. Her childhood was one of privilege and wealth until the 1980 coup. We first see life in Liberia from this point of view, getting glimpses of the what it was like before the wars began. Cooper loves her native country, and it comes through in her writing.

Her family flees to escape after the coup, and Cooper spends her high school and college years in the American south. She begins a career in journalism and becomes a successful international journalist. After nearly dying while covering the war in Iraq, she decides to return to Liberia to try to find her foster sister, who she had not seen in over 20 years.Even in the devastated country, she manages to find glimpses of the home she loved.

This book is a good introduction to the situation in Liberia for anyone who isn't familiar with the history of the strife there. The author is able to capture the naivete of her younger self . She tells a story that is always interesting, sometimes amusing, and often sad. This book becomes suggested reading for my students, both at home and in the classes I teach.

Book Review: Lydia Bennet's Story

I'm kind of picky about Pride and Prejudice sequels or knock-offs. I loved Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series. Other than that, most of them haven't passed muster.

I'm not a huge Austen fan, but I am an Austen fan. I won't likely notice if small details in the story don't jibe, but there is a certain feeling that needs to be present in a successful Austen sequel. And, as a historically-educated book freak, I hate anachronisms and the endowing of regency-era characters with modern sentiments.

So I always pick these books up with a dubious spirit. In fact, one of the two I brought home this time probably won't even be read after my daughter told me what she, Austen fan extraordinaire, had heard about it. But this book, Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe is delightful.

It lets us into the head of Lydia, who is every bit as silly and naughty as we thought, and we see the events from her point of view. Maybe it is just because I was a very silly teen, but I found the depiction of Lydia's thoughts to be very realistic. I like the way the author didn't try to infuse Lydia with some modern sentiments that led her to behave in an unconventional way. She let her be what she was written as: a rather willful, silly, romantic twit.

The story that is added--the what came after--also fits the events of P&P and is true to the characters. It gave me a satisfying sense that yes, this could be how Lydia's story turns out. A most enjoyable read.

Lazy progress

I've read 17 books so far this year, but I'm feeling lazy. I've read lots of mystery/suspense, Only three of the books so far have been non-fiction. I haven't read anything that was a challenge. And I can't say this is going to change anytime soon. I'm heading to the library in a while and I'm going to try to get the next J.D. Robb book.

Yes, I'm reading the literary equivalent of potato chips.

Book review: Terrorist

I had never read anything by John Updike. I had heard that his books had a lot of sex, but had never heard much else. But last week, when he died, I read any number of posts that made me pretty sure that I was missing something.

I figured I would give Updike a try. So, at the library, I happened across Terrorist. It looked good and was relatively short, at 310 pages, so that if I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't be losing much.

What an excellent book! It is the story of an 18-year-old Muslim man who, through the influence of his local imam, is pulled into a terror plot. The characters and setting feel real. Yes, there was sex, but the way it was presented elucidated the characters and advanced the story.

I will definitely be reading more Updike.

Quick reviews

The last several fiction books that I read each merit mention, but I don't have enough to say about them to write a review about each. So here's a quick run-down of what I read this week.

King's Blood Four by Sherri Tepper is the first book in a trilogy, and I will probably start the next one shortly. It is fantasy about a world that is run by the True Game. Part chess, part magic, part religion, the True Game is deadly. The story was good, but left me a bit confused. I hope the next book clears things up!

Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell is pure escapist chick lit. It was a quick enjoyable read about a teacher who wins the lottery on the worst day of her life.

Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly features attorney Mickey Haller instead of cop Heironymous Bosch, and is a great read if you like attorney/cop/murder mystery books. Michael Connelly hasn't disappointed me yet.

Cross Country by James Patterson is a novel about Dectective Alex Cross, but is different than the others in the series because much of the action takes place in Africa. The depiction of the horrors of life in some wore-torn parts or Africa may help open the eyes of some Patterson fans who would never read non-fiction on the subject.

Book Review: Cruel and Usual Punishment

Title: Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law
Author: Nonie Darwish

Nonie Darwish spent the first 30 years of her life living under Islamic Law and writes passionately about the damage it does to women, men, and countries. She lays out the background of Islamic Law and how it fits into the agenda of worldwide jihad.

In addition to illustrating the horrors of life under Sharia law for women and those who aren't Muslim, Darwish traces the growing attempts to bring Sharia law to western nations, and exhorts the west to resist these attempts.

The book is very interesting, if a bit repetitive in places. The author's outline of the history of the spread of Islam and the political nature of the Islamic faith are very thought-provoking. I would like for those who are shouting for accommodation of Islam and arguing that there are benefits in Sharia law to read this book.

Not really a review

This isn't as much a review as it is a lament.

I am finding myself disappointed lately with authors I've always enjoyed. These are all authors who have an ongoing series with particular characters. I'm not sure when I noticed it first. It may have been that last Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich that I didn't even finish. Not sure.

But it came to my mind again this week when I read Jonathan Kellerman's latest, Bones. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't the can't-put-it-down experience that his books used to be. Now I'm reading Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell and am having trouble getting into it.

So. Is it me? Or have some of these authors lost a bit of their oomph? Does the problem lie in long-running characters? Or have my tastes altered? What do you think?

Book Review: Homeschooling: A Family's Journey

I have a book about homeschooling to recommend. This kind of surprises me.

First, it is unusual for me to read a homeschooling book. Most of them make me crazy. And after thirteen years of this lifestyle, I certainly don't want to read that I'm doing it wrong! Secondly, many of them are useful to new homeschoolers or a subset of homeschoolers, but no one else would really want to read them. Homeschooling: A Family's Journey is a good book for long-timers, newbies, wannabes, and folks who would just like to understand homeschoolers a little bit better.

After I got this book home from the library I was trying to figure out what made me pick it up and look at it. It does say "HOMESCHOOLING" in red letters on the front, so I guess it isn't entirely surprising that I looked at it. But I think that what really got my attention was the picture of the family on the front. It was what we like to call a "pile picture." The family is kind of piled in, leaning on each other. They like each other. They aren't stuffy. They look like a family we could be friends with.

But the thing that made me bring it home was this sentence inside the front cover: "Today's homeschoolers succeed not because they do "school" things better than schools do--but because they do better things than school." Yes. In a nutshell. (This is part of the reason calls for accountability to the school-ish powers that be drives us crazy.)

So I decided to read it last night. Not with the highest of expectations, because It has been years since I read a book about homeschooling that really did anything for me. But I found myself engaged. I stayed awake late reading. I finished it this morning. I marked pages as I read because I kept finding nuggets that resonated. This book is about family and what education is.

Several of the pages I marked are going to turn into blog posts of their own. The book I read is from the library, but I'm going to buy my own so that I can mark it up and--eventually--loan it out. It is that good.

Why not one more

I was thinking about the reading challenges that I had seen, and decided that I might as well add the Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge, since a large portion of the books I read come from the library.

There are three levels, and I guess I'll go for the 25 book level, even though 50 is possible.

I'll be posting them here as I read them:

1. Bones by Jonathan Kellerman
2. Archy and Mehitabel by Don Marquis
3. Homeschooling: A Family's Journey by Gregory and Martine Millman
4. Heat Lightning by John Sandford
5. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
6. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
7. Cross Country by James Patterson
8. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
9. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell
10. Terrorist by John Updike
11. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell
12. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
13. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
14. Lydia Bennet's Story
15. Red River by Lalita Tademy
16. Run for Your Life by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
17. A Red State of Mind by Nancy French
18. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
19. Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger
20. The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards
21. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
22. Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn
23. Sullivan's Law by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
24. Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
25. Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

World Citizen Challenge

I've decided that I want to put a little more effort into my reading challenges this year so I'm searching out some different ones that are out there. I've picked a few that I'm going to do. The first is The World Citizen Challenge.

I am picking this one for several reasons. First, it is non-fiction, which I have only really started reading for pleasure during the past couple of years, but enjoy immensely. Second, it encompasses things like history, economics, culture, and politics from an international perspective. Those are things that I would be reading about, but it will help give me some focus. Third, it's only seven books and can fit in nicely with the others that I am doing. These are the categories that the books will come from: politics, economics, history, culture or anthropology/sociology, worldwide issues, and memoirs/autobiographies. I will do one from each and then one more.

I'll be listing my books here and will link to it in my sidebar.

1. The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper (memoir/Liberia)(finished 2/20/2009)
2. Cruel and Usual Punishment: The terrifying global implications of Islamic Law by Nonie Darwish (Worldwide Issues) (finished 1/15/2009)
3. A Princess Found by Sarah Culberson & Tracy Trivas (memoir/Sierra Leone) (finished 8/31/2009)
4. Au Revoir to All That: Food, Wine, & the End of France by Michael Steinberger (culture/France) (finished 12/15/2009)
6. Seeds of Terror: How Heroin is Bankrolling the Taliban and Al Qaeda by Gretchen Peters (Politics/Afghanistan)

Suspense and Thriller Challenge

When I saw that there was a Suspense and Thriller Challenge, I knew that I had to join. These are the kind of books that always show up and divert my attention from other books I plan to read. These are my favorites for a quick, can't-put-down read.

Rules of this challenge:

* Read TWELVE (12) different sub-genres of thrillers in 2009.

* You do NOT need to select your books ahead of time. Also, you may change as you go.

* Your books can crossover into other challenges.

The sub-genres are listed at the challenge site.

I'll be listing my books here and they'll be ghosted as I finish them.

1. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb Futuristic mystery/thriller
2. Bones by Jonathan Kellerman Amateur Detective mystery
3. Heat Lightning by John Sandford Hitman Thriller
4. Cross Country by James Patterson
5. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly Legal thriller
6. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell Romantic thriller
7. Run for Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge Serial Killer thriller
8. Divine Justice by David Baldacci Conspiracy thriller
9. Certain Jeopardy Military thriller
10. Execution Dock by Anne Perry Historical mystery/thriller
11. First Family by David Baldacci Private Detective mystery
12. The Fate of Katherine Carr by Thomas H. Cook Drama thriller

100 Book Challenge

I love this challenge. It's simple. Read at least 100 books in 2009.

Here are the rules:

1) You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.

2) This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.

3) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

I'll be listing my books here as I either decide to read them or read them. As I finish books I will orange them and put the date completed.


1. The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper (finished 2/20/2009)
2. A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffery Archer (finished 1/27/2009)
3. A Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein (finished 1/3/2009
4. The Reagan I Knew by William F. Buckley, Jr. (finished 2/12/2009)
5. Cruel and Usual Punishment: The terrifying global implications of Islamic Law by Nonie Darwish (finished 1/15/2009)
6. Bones by Jonathan Kellerman (finished 1/7/2009)
7. Archy and Mehitabel by Don Marquis (finished 1/7/2009)
8. Homeschooling: A Family's Journey by Gregory and Martine Millman (finished 1/8/2009)
9. Heat Lightning by John Sandford (finished 1/12/2009)
10. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (finished 1/12/2009)
11. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (finished 1/17/2009)
12. Cross Country by James Patterson (finished 1/19/2009)
13. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly (finished 1/22/2009)
14. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell (finished 1/23/2009)
15. How the Missouri Synod Was Born by Rev Dr. William Gustave Polack (finished 1/23/2009)
16. King's Blood Four by Sherri Tepper (finished 1/25/2009)
17. Terrorist by John Updike (finished 2/2/2009)
18. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell (finished 2/4/2009)
19. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb (finished 2/7/2009)
20. Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe (finished 2/8/2009)
21. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (finished 2/10/2009)
22. Red River by Lalita Tademy (finished 2/15/2009)
23. Run for Your Life by James Patterson (finished 2/18/2009)
24. A Red State of Mind by Nancy French (finished 2/23/2009)
25. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (finished 2/24/2009)
26. The Survivor's Club by Ben Sherwood (finished 2/28/2009)
27. Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger (finished 3/2/2009)
28. The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards (finished 3/4/2009)
29. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb (finished 3/11/2009)
30. Class Matters by Correspondents of the New York Times (finished 3/12/2009)
31. Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn (finished 3/13/2009)
32. Sullivan's Law by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg (finished 3/15/2009)
33. Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto (finished 3/19/2009)
34. Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult (finished 3/21/2009)
35. Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (finished 3/26/2009)
36. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (finished 4/1/2009)
37. The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution by Kevin R.C. Gutzman, Ph.D., J.D. (4/7/2009)
38. The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn (4/8/2009)
39. True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman (4/13/20089)
40. Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb (4/17/2009)
41. Food Matters by Mark Bittman (4/19/2009)
42. Certain Jeopardy by Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky (4/22/2009)
43. Divine Justice by David Baldacci (4/27/2009)
44. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb (4/30/2009)
45. The 8th Confession by James Patterson (5/2/2009)
46. A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America by Shelby Steele (5/4/2009)
47. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (5/7/2009)
48. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen (5/9/2009)
49. Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster (5/11/2009)
50. The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer (5/13/2009)
51. Frederica by Georgette Heyer (5/18/2009)
52. Ceremony in Death by J. D. Robb (5/21/2009)
53. Allen County Photo Album 1852-1954 (5/23/2009)
54. Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer (5/25/2009)
55. A Perfect Mess by Eric Abrahamson & David Freedman (5/27/2009)
56. Cotillion by Georgette Heyer (5/31/2009)
57. Execution Dock by Anne Perry (6/5/2009)
58. Wicked Prey by John Sandford (6/9/2009)
59. Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (6/15/2009)
60. Glenn Beck's Common Sense (6/18/2009)
65. The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer (6/22/2009)
66. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly (6/25/2009
67. Origins of the Specious: Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language by Patricia T. O'Connor & Stewart Kellerman (6/29/2009)
68. Penguin Book of Gaslight Crime edited by Michael Sims (7/2/2009)
69. The Associate by John Grisham (7/9/2009)
70. First Family by David Baldacci (7/13/2009)
71. The Death of the Grown-up by Diana West (7/15/2009)
72. The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir (7/19/2009)
73. Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer (7/21/2009)
74. Queen Takes King by Gigi Levangie Grazer (7/23/2009)
75. Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson (7/26/2009)
76. The Fate of Katherine Carr by Thomas H. Cook (8/1/2009)
77. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer (8/5/2009)
78. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (8/9/2009)
79. The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel (8/11/2009)
80. Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin (8/13/2009)
81. Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer (8/16/2009)
82. The Money Mystery by Richard J. Maybury (8/18/2009)
83. Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella (8/22/2009)
80. Arabella by Georgette Heyer (8/25/2009)
81. Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child (8/28/2009)
82. A Princess Found by Sarah Culberson & Tracy Trivas (8/31/2009)
83. The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson (9/7/ 2009)
84. Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison (9/9/2009)
85. Generation Me by Jean Twenge (9/14/2009)
86. The Apostle by Brad Thor (9/17/2009)
87. The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel (9/20/2009)
88. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (9/22/2009)
89. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs (9/25/2006)
90. Vengeance in Death by J.D.Robb (9/27/2009
91. The Penny Pinchers' Club by Sarah Strohmeyer (9/29/2009)
92. Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain (10/4/2009)
93. Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish (10/6/2009)
94. Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson (10/10/2009)
95. Blindman's Bluff by Fay Kellerman (10/14/2009)
96. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer (10/16/2009)
97. The Food of a Younger Land by Mark Kurlansky (10/18/2009)
98. False Colours by Georgette Heyer (10/22/2009)
99. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston (10/24/2009)
100. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (11/2/2009)
Life Among the Lutherans by Garrison Keillor (Humor)
Arguing With Idiots by Glenn Beck (Non-fiction, politics)
The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews (Chick Lit)
Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton
Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer (Regency Romance)
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by Jame Patterson
Going Rogue by Sarah Palin (Memoir, Politics)
Liar by Justine Larbalestier (YA Fiction)
Alex Cross's Trial (Historical Fiction)
Pursuit of Honor Vince Flynn
How to be Cool by Johanna Edwards
Sylvester by Georgette Heyer
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Seeds of Terror by Gretchen Peters