DeltaQueen's 2012 Bombs

My goal this year is going to be a total of 110 books. Since my Kindle is getting a lot of my attention these days, I hope 25 of my total will be from there, leaving 85 real books to read.




I will denote e-read books with this symbol: † †

I plan on only counting books bought before Jan 1, 2012, with the exception of ER books - I don't want to be tempted to leave them on the shelf.

December 31,2011 = Bombs on the Shelf = 332
Bombs on the Kindle = 66

Total Bombs at start of 2012 = 398

BOOKS READ

January

1. The Dead by Charlie Higson - 4.1 ★
2. Nemesis † † by Agatha Christie - 3.6 ★
3. Iron House † † by John Hart - 4.2 ★
4. The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison - 3.4 ★
5. Cheyenne Autumn by Mari Sandoz - 4.2 ★
6. Zoo City† † by Lauren Beukes - 3.4 ★
7. Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger - 4.0 ★
8. Skeletons On The Zahara by Dean King - 4.5 ★
9. The Last Sunrise by Robert Ryan - 4.1 ★
10. The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley - 3.7 ★

February

11. Great Expectations †† by Charles Dickens - 3.6 ★
12. The Sandman Vol 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman - 4.2 ★
13. Unnatural Death by Dorothy Sayers - 3.7 ★
14. Pale Immortal †† by Anne Frasier - 3.4 ★
15. Where The Buffalo Roam by Michael Zimmer - 3.6 ★
16. The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst - 4.6 ★
17. The UnTied Kingdom†† by Kate Johnson - 3.3 ★
18. Island of Ghosts by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.2 ★
19. Two Corinthians†† by Carola Dunn - 3.5 ★
20. Shadow Valley†† by Stephen Barnes - 4.6 ★

March

21. Remember Me, Irene by Jan Burke - 3.2 ★
22. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi - 4.5 ★
23. Down the Long Hills†† by Louis L'Amour - 3.7 ★
24. Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn - 3.3 ★
25. Yesterday's Dead by Pat Bourke - 4.0 ★
26. The Night Following by Morag Joss - 4.8 ★
27. One Under by Graham Hurley - 4.0 ★
28. Jeannie: A Love Story by Derek Tangye - 3.4 ★
29. A Winter Kill by Vicki Delany - 3.0 ★
30. Lazybones by Mark Billingham - 4.0 ★

April

31. David Copperfield†† by Charles Dickens - 4.3 ★
32. The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.0 ★
33. The Dead and the Gone†† by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 4.1 ★
34. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie - 3.7 ★
35. The Moon Is Down♫♫ by John Steinbeck - 5.0 ★
36. Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry - 4.3 ★
37. War for the Oaks by Emma Bull - 4.4 ★

May

38. Lennox by Craig Russell - 4.2 ★
39. Rose In Bloom†† by Lousia May Alcott - 3.2 ★
40. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen - 5.0 ★
41. Hombre †† by Elmore Leonard - 3.7 ★
42. Blue Skies & Gunfire by K.M. Peyton - 3.4 ★
43. The Goose Girl†† by Shannon Hale - 5.0 ★
44. Dead Man's Footsteps by Peter James - 4.3 ★

June
45. Venice Noir edited by Maxim Jakubowski - 3.7 ★
46. Divergent by Veronica Roth - 5.0 ★
47. Warrior Daughter by Janet Paisley - 3.4 ★
48. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - 4.5 ★
49. Life ♫♫ by Keith Richards - 5.0 ★
50. Fearless: A Novel of Sarah Bowman by Lucia St Clair Robson - 4.2 ★
51. River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh - 5.0 ★
52. Hollowland†† by Amanda Hocking - 2.0 ★
53. Revolution†† by Jennifer Donnelly - 3.7 ★
54. The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane - 3.5 ★
55. Thrush Green by Miss Read - 5.0 ★

July

56. The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan - 4.0 ★
57. Box Nine by Jack O'Connell - 4.3 ★
58. The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter van Tilburg Clark - 4.5 ★
59. Playing With Bones by Kate Ellis - 4.3 ★
60. The Black Angel by Cornell Woolrich - 4.0 ★
61. Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
62. The Lotus Eaters†† by Tatjana Soli - 4.2 ★
63. Montacute House†† by Lucy Jago - 2.8 ★
64. Secrets in Burracombe†† by Lilian Harry - 3.9 ★

August

65. The Cotton Queen by Pamela Morsi - 3.8 ★
66. 22 Accessible Road Trips by Candy Harrington - 4.0 ★
67. King of the Streets by John Baker - 4.3 ★
68. Tall Poppies by Louise Bagshawe - 3.1 ★
69. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - 4.0 ★
70. Harp of Burma by Michio Takeyama - 4.2 ★
71. A Shilling For Candles by Josephine Tey - 4.0 ★
72. The High Crusade by Poul Anderson - 4.1 ★
73. The Legate's Daughter by Wallace Breem - 3.9 ★
74. Stone Song: A Novel of the Life of Crazy Horse by Win Blevins - 5.0 ★
75. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm†† by Kate Douglas Wiggin - 3.0
76. Tooth And Nail†† by Craig DiLouie - 3.5 ★
77. Murder on the Links†† by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★

September

78. Resolution†† by Robert B Parker - 4.0 ★
79. Enna Burning†† by Shannon Hale - 3.0 ★
80. Bad Boy by Peter Robinson - 4.3 ★
81. Breed by Chase Novak - 4.1 ★
82. Heart of the Family by Annie Groves - 3.8 ★
83. Faithful Place by Tana French - 5.0 ★
84. The Land of Summer by Charlotte Bingham - 1.5 ★
85. A Cafe on the Nile by Bartle Bull - 4.5 ★
86. Apocalypse of the Dead by Joe McKinney - 3.8 ★

October

87. Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry - 4.0 ★
88. Land of a Hundred Wonders by Nancy Kagen - 3.7 ★89
89. This World We Live In†† by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 3.8 ★
90. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien - 4.3 ★
91. Dracula †† by Bram Stoker - 4.5 ★
92. Dark Blood by Stuart MacBride - 4.4 ★
93. The Giver†† by Lois Lowry - 4.2 ★
94. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville - 4.7 ★
95. One Grave Too Many by Beverly Connor - 3.1 ★
96. Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George - 3.8 ★

November

97. War Party by Louis L'Amour - 3.6 ★
98. The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley - 3.8 ★
99. The Grand Sophy †† by Georgette Heyer - 4.5 ★
100. Feed by Mira Grant - 3.0 ★
101. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys - 4.0 ★
102. The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going - 3.1 ★
103. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - 5.0 ★
104. Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell - 4.1 ★
105. The Mystic Rose by Stephen Lawhead - 3.0 ★
106. The Last Trail†† by Zane Grey - 3.6 ★

December

107. The Water's Lovely by Ruth Rendell - 3.2 ★
108. A Tale of Two Cities†† by Charles Dickens - 4.2
109. The Christmas Mouse†† & No Holly For Miss Quinn†† by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
110. Island Madness by Tim Binding - 4.1 ★
111. A Christmas Wedding Wager†† by Michelle Styles - 1.0 ★
112. Call of the Wild†† by Jack London - 4.1 ★
113. The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.1 ★
114. The Day of the Triffids†† by John Wyndham - 4.3 ★
115. A Killing Frost by R.D. Wingfield - 4.6 ★

That's a great goal. I'm still deciding; maybe I'll sneak in here during lunch at work and set up my thread too. Glad you're back. My wish list always takes a big hit from the books you read.

A lovely goal to shoot for - I'm thinking I should up my goal from 50 last year to 75 this year, though your goal sounds nice too. Hmmmmm.....

So glad to see you're doing this too! We can cheer each other on!

Take cover, I've exploded my first bomb of 2012!!

1. The Dead by Charlie Higson - 4.1 ★

Part 2 of a deliciously gruesome zombie trilogy, this entry was very good, but didn't have quite the impact of the first one. Even so, I am excited about finding and reading the third book. I sent the first book over to my son-in-law, so this one will probably find it's way there as well. My first bomb detonated successfully!

I haven't heard of that trilogy-I will have to keep an eye out for those books.

2. Nemesis † † by Agatha Christie - 3.6 ★

An enjoyable Miss Marple mystery by the great Agatha Christie. This one has been sitting on my Kindle since late last summer. It feels good to be clearing one away.

Two already-you're on a roll!

Ooo Nemesis! I love all Agatha Christie's and the twists in this one are really good.

You've set a really ambitious goal, Judy, and you're off to a good start. Best of luck!

#14 - Hi Becca, this was a very good Miss Marple mystery, and a little different as she was given more of an actual investigative role rather than just being an observer in the corner.

#15 - Hi Terri, thanks for the good wishes.

I really want to read Agatha Christie's Autobiography. Anyone read it?

I haven't read Agatha Christie's Autobiography yet, but I certainly would like to. I'll have to hunt down a copy one of these days.

I really want to read Agatha Christie's Autobiography too. I highly recommend the books surrounding her notebooks, by John Curran.

Both the John Curran book and Agatha's autobiography are on my shelves patiently waiting to be read! Perhaps this year will be it. Glad to hear the Curran book is good.

And just like that - two more are added onto my wishlist!

Another two for my wishlist as well. No wonder I have so many bombs to explode!

I just went and downloaded the John Curran book, Clues to Christie. It's free and so I couldn't resist! I am looking forward to browsing through it.

3. Iron House † † by John Hart - 4.2 ★

Have had this one sitting on my Kindle since last fall. I read this as part of a group read over on the 12 in 12 Challenge. Enjoyed it a lot, a thriller with lots of twists and turns, A fair amount of gore and violence as well. Another one off my Kindle.

Wow you are doing so well with this challenge already!

I haven't read Clues to Christie-I'd love to know what you think.

Hi Becca, I'll let you know, but you know but it may be awhile.

4. The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison - 3.4 ★

Have had this one only a short while, I think since November 2011. I find it hard to rate YA sometimes, expecially as this book was aimed at the younger range. For me an average read, but I would recommend it for ages 10 plus, especially for kids who like fantasy. I will probably pass this on the my younger daughter, she likes fantasy, and if it's too young for her she can drop it off at the hospital she works at.

Getting back on track for January, hopefully the rest of the books I read this month will come from my TBR shelves.

5. Cheyenne Autumn by Mari Sandoz - 4.2 ★

I received this book at Christmas 2010 and only now have gotten around to it. An extrememly moving story of how the Cheyenne nation was decimated to become the small group it is today. Put on a reservation in Oklahoma, the Cheyenne were sick, starving and homesick. They broke out and decided to head back to their homeland near the Yellowstone River. Only remnants of this nation actually made it and eventually were allowed a small reservation in the southeast corner of Montana. My brother is also interested in American Western history and is eagerly waiting for me to pass this book along.

6. Zoo City† † by Lauren Beukes - 3.4 ★

I read a review of Zoo City last year and immediately downloaded it to my Kindle. A mash of Urban Fantasy and Noir mystery that works fairly well although there were a few plot holes. A slight warning as to the high amount of gore and violence it contains.

7. Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger - 4.0 ★

The second in a series, I really enjoyed this book, mainly as it was focused on a wilderness search-and-rescue, and I love survivalist books. I will definitely be reading on in this series. The book has been on my shelves since last June, and, now I am passing this one over to my husband who has expressed an interest in it.

8. Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King - 4.5 ★

This book told the true story of 12 American sailors shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815. Captured by Arab nomads, they endured months of brutality, starvation, dehydration and fear. An excellent example of how good a narrative non-fiction book can be. I was given this book at Christmas by my brother, and now it will be passed along to my husband.

9. The Last Sunrise by Robert Ryan - 4.1 ★

Sitting on my TBR shelves since June, 2008, The Last Sunrise was a ripping read about the turbulent times both during WW II and after in South East Asia. A slew of fantastic characters fill this book, and the reader never knows who is good or who is bad. I will be passing this book along to my brother who is also a fan of this author.

10. The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley - 3.7 ★

A well done apocalyptic novel that manages to frighten and inform the reader. A pandemic caused by a mutating Avian virus is all too real in today's world. I was glued to the pages, until the ending which I felt was hurried and incomplete. I've had this book on the shelves since May of last year, and I will be passing this along to family members.

JANUARY 2012 RECAP

# of Bombs on the shelves at the beginning of January = 398
# of Bombs on the shelves at the end of January = 398

# of Bombs read from the shelves in January = 10
# of Bombs added to the shelves in January = 10

YTD Total # of Books Read = 16
YTD Total # of Books from the shelves Read = 10
% of Books read from the shelves vs Other Sources = 62.5%

Added Totals to the Group Thread - Yes

Well, I made my goal of 10 bombs exploded, but then I went and added 10 back onto the shelves. At best, I guess I am holding my own.

My goal in February will be to explode more bombs from the shelves than I add!

Your off to a great start, Judy! What a great feeling it must be to detenate so many BOMBS, and make room on your shelves for more, more, more!

Thanks Lynda. I am hoping to actually see some shelf space eventually, instead of filling them up as fast as I empty them!

That's such a great start!

I finally read my first bomb for February!

11. Great Expectations †† by Charles Dickens - 3.6 ★

Liked this one, didn't love it. Thought I would never reach the end. Although beautifully written with unique and vivid characters, my lack of empathy with the main character and the length of the book detracted from my enjoyment of this classic. This has been on my Kindle since the day I bought it, so it feels good to say I've finally read it.

Fun that you finished it on his birthday!

Thanks Staffordcastle. I'd like to say it was good planning but although I knew this was his 200th birthday month, but I didn't realize the 7th was his actual birthday. I guess it was Serendipity!

*lurking*

Hi Gail, I am off to a slow start this month, mostly been reading library books. I'm not doing too good with the "not buying books" either, 10 last month, six so far this month. :(

12. The Sandman Vol 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman - 4.2 ★

I decided sometime last year that I wanted to read The Sandman series. My library has them all except the first one so I purchased it and, after 8 or 9 months of having it sit on my shelf, I finally got to it. I actually think I am going to drop this off at the library so they have a complete set, as no one in my family is interested. I liked this graphic novel very much and still plan on reading the whole series.

Judy, I'm having a hard time getting things off my shelf this month; and I've added a bunch to the shelves, too.

Hi Terri, this has really been a slow month for me for reading from my shelves, I am currently reading my third, but with my goal, I need to read at least nine books from the shelves every month. I guess I shouldn't complain as I have read some pretty good books this month so far!

13. Unnatural Death by Dorothy Sayers - 3.7 ★

This book has been on my shelves since sometime last year, my plan is to eventually read the whole Peter Wimsey series. Unnatural Death is the third entry, and it was both original and interesting. Unfortunately, there was some racial slurs that made for uncomfortable reading. This book is now going to be turned over to my brother, as he is reading this series as well.

I know what you mean, Delta, but one has to remember how old these books are; they are a snapshot of their time, and we should not impose our own attitudes on the people of that time. Sayers' books don't often get into that territory, but when they do, I just pass over it being glad that we have improved since then. The same thing happens with the adventure stories of John Buchan, which are cracking good reads, but again, the racial attitudes are not what we think now.

Hi Staffordcastle, yes, I know what you mean and I am not going to let it deter me from reading the series, as I am quite taken up with the characters.

Glad to hear it!

I've only read a few Dorothy Sayers-I will have to search out more. I agree, it can be hard to read the racial slurs for sure, but Peter Wimsey is a wonderful character.

The Peter Wimsey books are my favorite mysteries; I've read them all multiple times, which is certainly not the case with most mysteries, where I only read them once. The last part of the series is wonderful, where they become, in the author's words, "a love story with detective interruptions." Her writing is marvelous.

14. Pale Immortal†† by Anne Frasier - 3.4 ★

Not quite the book I expected, Pale Immortal was more of a serial killer mystery than a vampire book. There were touches of the supernatural throughout the book however, which I enjoyed. I never was quite able to answer the question of whether there was a vampire or not. Luckily I have the sequel on my Kindle so I can find out. An ok read that kept me turning the pages.

15. Where The Buffalo Roam by Michael Zimmer - 3.6 ★

A classic western tale of justice and revenge, with the twist of having the main character a black man. Lots of action, great setting, and good characters kept the pages turning. I've had this book on my shelf for a couple of years, and now it will be going to the second hand store.

Glad I found you. You are on a roll! How do you do it, girl? I am looking forward to all that you read in 2012

Another vote for being glad you're continuing with the Sayers' series, though I'm also glad you're mentioning your discomfort. I first read the Lord Peter Wimsey books with my mom when I was around 12 or so and really enjoyed them (though I'm sure quite a bit went way over my head), and I remember them being lovely reads.

#53 - Hi Jacqueline, I'm glad you found me too! I am mostly to be found at the 75 Book Challenge and at the 12 in 12 Category Challenge. Where are you mostly hanging out?

#54 Welcome Caramellunacy, I really do love the characters that Sayers writes about. I have loved Agatha Christie for years, but both Josephine Tey and Dorothy Sayers are more recent finds. All three of these "grand dames of crime" are providing me with some great reads.

I haven't been hanging out at all really. Just getting back into things. I am once again going to try and read 50 books this year. http://www.librarything.com/topic/129855 I seem to be just shy of my goal every year. I am far from being disappointed that I haven't read 50 because everytime I look back at what I am read I am surprised at what I did read.

I will have to check out your 75 book challenge thread and maybe your 12 in 12 category challenge too.

Read to your hearts content in 2012.

16. The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst - 4.6 ★

Sitting on my shelves since March of 2009, The Spies of Warsaw was an excellent read. Alan Furst writes taunt, complex thrillers usually set in and around the years of World War II. This book was set in Warsaw during the winter of 1937-38, and delved into the political intrigues and espionage that was rampant in that city. I will now be passing this book along to family members.

Shame that I am not a family member

WW2 thrillers are always of interest to me! Adding Spies of Warsaw and Alan Furst in general to the TBR! :)

# 58 - LOL Jacqueline - I could always adopt you!

#59 - The good news is that he has quite an extensive library, so you have lots of gread reads ahead of you.

17. The UnTied Kingdom †† by Kate Johnson - 3.3 ★

I was a little disappointed in this book as I was hoping for a world-building fantasy instead of the paranoramal romance that I got. A English woman accidentally falls through a portal and lands in a parallel universe, literally landing in the arms of a Major in the army. She goes on a dangerous mission with him, and they bicker and fight their extreme attraction to each other. Another one cleared off my Kindle.

18. Island of Ghosts by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.2 ★

This was an excellent historical fiction story set in Roman Britian. Well researched, intelligent and colorful. Been on my shelves since last fall, I was the last in the family to read it, so now it will be on it's way to a charity shop.

I am really enjoying all your reviews. The Island of Ghosts sounds great.

#163 - Thanks, Jaqueline.

19. Two Corinthians†† by Carola Dunn - 3.5 ★

A nice, light regency romance that, although not quite up to a Georgette Heyer book, was nevertheless an engaging read that I liked. Another one off my Kindle.

FEBRUARY 2012 RECAP

# of bombs on the shelves at start of February = 398
# of bombs on the shelves at end of February = 403

# of bombs read from the shelves in February = 9
# of bombs added to shelves in February = 14

YTD Total # of Books Read = 32
YTD Total of Books Read from
my shelves = 19

% of books read from shelves vs. other sources = 59 %

Added my figure to the Group Total - Yes

Once again, I bought more books than I read off my shelves. Hopefully I can have more control over my buying impulses in March. (Although I happen to know there are still a couple of books on my way from Book Depository.)

20. Shadow Valley †† by Stephen Barnes - 4.6 ★

I have had Shadow Valley sitting on my Kindle for far too long. This was an excellent sequel to Great Sky Woman which I read a few years ago. Together these two were an excellent epic story of a prehistoric people who lived in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

21. Remember Me, Irene by Jan Burke - 3.2 ★

I have jumped around a bit in this series, reading some later ones first and then backtracking to the earlier ones. This is the fourth entry in the Irene Kelly series, and although not one of my favorities, I will still carry on with the series as I enjoy the characters, and I know the stories get better. This book has been on my shelves since April, 2009, and will now get a trip to the second hand bookstore.

22. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi - 4.5 ★

The world-building in this book was simply amazing. A dark, grim and violent look at what could possibly happen in our future, with genetic engineering taken to extremes, resource depletion and global warming. I've had this book on my shelves since last year sometime, and now I will pass it on to my brother.

I think I would enjoy The Windup Girl. It's going on my wish list.

Hi Jacqueline, it's quite the book, but I should warn you - lots of violence, especially towards women.

23. Down the Long Hills†† by Louis L'Amour - 3.7 ★

This was a great western tale of survival. Two small children, aged 7 and 3 must battle the elements, stay ahead of Indians, outwit outlaws and escape wild animals while trying to reach safety after they are the only survivors when their wagon train was attacked by Comanche. Not very believeable but a fun read with lots of action.

DeltaQueen50...thanks so much for the warning.

24. Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn - 3.3 ★

Have had this one on my shelf for quite some time. Classed as a historical mystery, I found it more of a historical romance. I enjoyed the Victorian setting, but didn't care much for the romance or the mystery. Probably won't continue with this series. The book will soon be on it's way to a second hand store.

25. Yesterday's Dead by Pat Bourke - 4.0 ★

Yesterday's Dead,read as part of the Early Review Program, is aimed at the younger end of the the YA market. It was however a very well done historical fiction that both told a great story and had interesting, well researched facts to reveal about the Spanish Influenza epidemic that spread globally during 1918. I would definitely recommend this book as a classroom accompaniment to discussion about this time period.

26. The Night Following by Morag Joss - 4.8 ★

I have had this book since July of last year, I ordered it right after I read a review by RidgewayGirl. This book was strange, weird and fantastic. The writer delivers a creepy story that looks at grief, loneliness and guilt. I will be taking this book with me when I visit my family as I am sure this book would appeal to most of them.

Wow, look at you knocking those books out of the park! :)

Hi Laura, I've been able to devote a fair amount of time to reading lately, and it's rewarding to see the TBR pile shrinking. But then I go and ruin it all by adding 5 books plus an ER copy yesterday.

27. One Under by Graham Hurley - 4.0 ★

I've had this police procedural sitting on my TBR shelves since November, 2009. The 7th in a series, this was a both a good read and a good reason to continue with this series. My brother is also reading this series, so this book will be passed along to him.

28. Jeannie: A Love Story by Derek Tangye - 3.4 ★

I picked this book up last summer. I was a huge fan of Derek Tangye's stories of Minack, the property and cottage in Cornwall that the Tangyes' bought when they took up growing daffodils. Both being writers they soon found writing was a great way to suppliment their income. This book is simply a love letter to his wife after her death in 1986. A fitting way for me to say goodbye to this series as well.

29. A Winter Kill by Vicki Delany - 3.0 ★

This was another ER Book that I received. A very short police story, set in rural Canada that is about a pregnant high school girl murdered in a small town. I enjoyed it, but it was so short (111 pages) that there was very little room for a lot of character or plot development.

I really enjoy Morag Joss's books, I'm glad you enjoyed The Night Following. You described it perfectly.

I will have to look into A Winter Kill.

Hi Becca, Morag Joss has become a favorite author after only one book. I have already ordered two more by her!

30. Lazybones by Mark Billingham - 4.0 ★

My last entry for March, and it was a very enjoyable police procedural. Lazybones is the third book in Mark Billingham's Tom Thorne series, and this was very good. DI Tom Thorne is trying to find a serial murderer who is targeting rapists. The book will also go into the bag is I am taking home to my family, as I am sure some of them are also following this series.

MARCH 2012 RECAP

# of bombs on shelves at start of March = 403
# of bombs on shelves at end of March = 401

# of bombs read off the shelves in March = 11
# of bombs added to shelves in March = 9

YTD # of books read = 51
YTD # of bombs read = 30

% of books read from shelves vs. other sources = 58.8%

Added my figure to the group totals - yes

March was a very good reading month for me. I am trying to restrain my book buying and I am surprised that I actually came out ahead this month.

Congrats on coming out more books taken off then bought. I find it darn near impossible myself!

31. David Copperfield†† by Charles Dickens - 4.3 ★

My second Dickens of the year, I enjoyed the story of David Copperfield, although at times I felt I would never get to the end of this book. Another one to remove from my Kindle.

32. The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.0 ★

This is the second in a medieval trilogy. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite authors of historical fiction and I enjoyed this book. I've had it sitting on the shelf for more than a year, and I know my sister is waiting her turn with it, so it's on it's way to her.

33. The Dead & The Gone†† by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 4.1 ★

Another book off my Kindle, The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer is the second book in a trilogy about a world threatening event whereby the moon is knocked off its course and closer to the earth, causing weather changes, earthquakes, volcanoes and disease. The first book was set in suburban Ohio while this one is set in New York City. The story kept me glued to the pages. Luckily I have the third and final book on my Kindle when I am ready to finish this trilogy.

I've been visiting my Mom and the rest of my family for the last two weeks and apparently any type of activity for us usually involves a bookstore! I am dreading my April recap as the books I'm adding to my shelves are going to go way up! On the other hand, I've picked up some great future reads!

The Night Following sounds like a book I would enjoy.

I also received A Winter Kill as an ER book. I feel the same way about the book as you.

Hi Jacqueline, I was so taken with Morag Joss that I immediately ordered a couple more of her books!

I felt like I was reading a magazine story when I read A Winter Kill. I guess I like my mysteries more developed and deeper.

34. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie - 3.7 ★

This is the second book in Deborah Crobie's series featuring Scotland Yard Supervisor Duncan Kincaid and his assistant Gemma James. I enjoy both the mystery aspect and the developing relationship between the two main characters. Nothing much has happened yet, but there is definitely a sexual tension between these two. All Shall Be Well is off my shelves and will be going to the second hand bookstore when I can trust myself to go there without buying up the store!

I really enjoy that Deborah Crombie series! I think I have one or more on my shelves I haven't read yet-will definitely be reading them soon if thats the case.

Hi Becca, I think I have one more Deborah Crombie on my shelves to read and then I will either have to rely on the library (the sensible thing to do) or go on a buying rampage and get the rest of the series!

35. The Moon Is Down♫♫ by John Steinbeck - 5.0 ★

Another book from my Kindle. I loved this short yet powerful story about being both the invaded and the invader. Without actually saying so Steinbeck's propaganda piece is about Norway being taken over by the German's in World War II. Written to inspire resistence throughout Europe, this book still rings true today. Off my Kindle, but firmly lodged in my memory.

36. Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Mayberry - 4.3 ★

I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a couple of years and since it fits one of my 12 in 12 categories, I pulled it down to read this month. A zombie apocalypse story, this has all the regular ingredients of gore, violence and zombies, but this book also has a great coming of age story and a lot of heart as two brothers work through their relationship and come to understand each other. Added to the mix are a couple of excellent "kick-ass" girls. This is the first book in a trilogy and, I'm now eager to add the next two books to my shelves.

#97 your review if TMiD is terrific, Judy. I didn't know it was drawn from the Norway/German angle. Thanks for enlightening me.

37. War For The Oaks by Emma Bull - 4.4 ★

If I had known how much I would love this book I would have brought it down from my shelves sooner. It's been patiently waiting for my attention for almost three years. Originally published in 1987, War for the Oaks is widely considered one of the first examples of urban fantasy. Great story, characters and details, I really enjoyed this book and now I will pass this on to my younger daughter who is a big fan of fantasy.

APRIL 2012 RECAP

Number of bombs on the shelves at the start of April: 401
Number of bombs on the shelves at the end of April: 429

Number of bombs read off the shelves during April: 7
Number of bombs added to the shelves during April: 35

YTD # of books read = 65
YTD # of bombs read = 37

% of books read from the shelves vs. other sources = 57%

I’m on track to make my goal of 110 books read off the shelves this year, but I seem to be replacing the books I read at an alarming rate. I did go on a couple of specific book buying expeditions this month so I knew my figures would be high, but I also bought quite a few Kindle books this month as well.

38. Lennox by Craig Russell - 4.2 ★

Lennox by Craig Russell has been on my shelves since last fall when I first heard about the series. An enjoyable thriller set in 1950's Scotland with a cynical, tough main character. I have already ordered the next book in the series and this one will be passed on to family members.

39. Rose In Bloom†† by Lousia May Alcott - 3.2 ★

The first book this month to be removed from my Kindle was a re-read of a childhood favorite, but unfortunately I found it rather overly sentimental and a tad moralistic for my tastes today.

Everytime I come and visit here I am surprised on how much you have read since the last time I was here. I would love to be able to that as many books as you.

Hi Jacqueline, I have so many books that I want to read, that to me I seem to be moving slowly. I have really slowed down in this challenge, as I have been falling to the lure of library books.

I have really slowed down in this challenge, as I have been falling to the lure of library books.

Me, too! Last month, I barely made my monthly goal, and only because I changed my rules to allow for reading ERs and newer books I own.

40. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen - 5.0 ★

Hooray, finally a book from my own shelf! And a doozy of a book as well. The Devil in the White City is a masterful tale where the author has entwined the story of the conception and building of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with that of a serial killer operating in the Chicago area at the same time. Absolutely riveting, definitely one of the best reads this year so far.

41. Hombre†† by Elmore Leonard - 3.7 ★

Another book cleared from my Kindle, Hombre was a true classic western tale of a loner who is expected to step forward and save a group of people who previously would have nothing to do with him. A western tale of bigotry and moral justice, I really enjoyed this book.

I've been having a hankering for a Western lately - this may just fit the bill!

It's a great story, and at just barely 200 pages quite short as well. Elmore Leonard is a master at stripping off the unnecessary words and letting his bare prose shine. I hope you enjoy it, Caramellunacy!

42. Blue Skies & Gunfire by K.M. Peyton - 3.4 ★

This is a book that I have had on my shelves for some time. A YA love story set against the backdrop of WW II, an emotional story of a young girls' first love and the tragic results of choosing one brother over another. Even though it had me shedding some quiet tears this afternoon, it's off to the second hand store with this one.

43. The Goose Girl†† by Shannon Hale - 5.0 ★

I can't believe I had this great story sitting on my Kindle for so long! I was totally carried away by this enhanced fairy tale, and now I am champing at the bit to read another Shannon Hale book. If you love fantasy based on fairy tales, this one is a true gem.

DeltaQueen - I kept on passing over Shannon Hale (despite my love of fairy tales) because I kept thinking they would be too girly for my tastes. But finally I picked up Princess Academy and just adored it - it wasn't at all what I expected, but all about girls showing inner strength. A lovely book.

My favorite of hers, though is Book of a Thousand Days which is an Asian-inspired (I think Mongolian?) fairytale. A little bit different in a familiar framework. I found it utterly entrancing!

Thanks, Caramellunacy, I will definitely look into both Book of a Thousand Days and the Princess Academy. Isn't that just the way it goes, you read one book off your shelf and it leads to running out and buying a lot more!

44. Dead Man's Footsteps by Peter James - 4.3 ★

Even though none of his books has been as great as the first in the series, I have really enjoyed all four of the DI Roy Grace books that I have read so far. The reader is kept on the edge of their seat as many different storylines play out and eventually converge. This book will make the trip with me when I next visit my family as my Mother is also enjoying this series.

MAY 2012 RECAP

# of bombs on the shelves at the start of May = 429
# of bombs on the shelves at the end of May = 440

# of bombs read off the shelves during May = 7
# of bombs added to the shelves during May = 18

YTD # of books read = 80
YTD # of bombs read = 44

% of books read from the shelf vs. other sources = 55%

Even with all the reading I am doing, I am still adding more books than I should be. This month will probably be no better as my Thingaversary falls on June 20th, and with the custom of buying a book for each year and one extra, I know I will be adding at least 5 more books to the shelves. Just to be clear though I didn't buy 18 new books last month, I actually found some books that I hadn't added to my TBR list, still I probably purchased about 10 books.

45. Venice Noir edited by Maxim Jakubowski - 3.7 ★

I mostly enjoyed this collection of stories, all set in Venice. This is a Venice that tourists rarely see, the crumbling, underbelly of an ageless city. Some of the stories were very dark while others managed to strike a grotesque chord of humor, but I would hesitate to class all of them as Noir. I would however, be more than willing to pick up further books in this series.

46. Divergent by Veronica Roth - 5.0 ★

An excellent dystopian YA story, has all the right ingredients to keep the reader on the edge of his seat. Can't wait for the next one in the trilogy. This book has been sitting on my shelf since last November and now I will probably pass this on to my younger daughter.

47. Warrior Daughter by Janet Paisley - 3.4 ★

I actually read this book in May and forgot to add it to my list of bombs. A fairly humdrum historical fiction story of ancient Celts and it felt more like a fantasy story than a actual historical piece. Packed off to the second hand store.

48. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - 4.5 ★

I have had this one sitting on my shelves for more than a year, and a group read encouraged me to pick it up. I found it a little hard to get into, but by page 200 the story had totally grabbed me and I ended up loving this historical novel. The book is originally my brothers and is now on it's way back to him.

49. Life ♫♫ by Keith Richards - 5.0 ★

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio on my Kindle. The combined voices of Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley and Keith Richards himself, brought this book vividly to life. I got both a great trip down memory lane and some fascinating background on both the music and lives of this legendary band.

Some good stuff here - will have to get my hands on a copy of Life as soon as I can. :)

Hi Laura, this one is exceptional good as an audio, you actually feel like you are sitting down and having a conversation with Keith.

50. Fearless: a Novel of Sarah Bowman by Lucia St Clair Robson - 4.6 ★

One of my favorite authors, Lucia St Clair Robson tells the story of a real person, Sarah Bowman, who marched with the U.S. army in the 1845 Mexican War and was written about by the reporters who followed the campaign. The author takes the few facts that known about this woman and presents a fully fleshed character in this vivid historical fiction story. I've had this book on my shelves for three or four years, and now will pass it on to other family members.

51. River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh - 5.0 ★

This was an excellent book, the second in a planned trilogy. Although I was more engaged by the first book, River of Smoke in some ways is the better book with it's rich historical details, vivid descriptions and fantastic characters. I will pass this book along to my mother, and now I begin the long wait for the third book.

52. Hollowland†† by Amanda Hocking - 2.0 ★

There's good news and bad news here, Hollowland was anything but a fun zombie read. I learned that a zombie story full of gore and violence still cannot overcome basic bad writing. The good news is that it's the first in a trilogy and I won't be spending any more money on it. Hollowland was on my Kindle and I took great satisfaction in removing it from my device!

53. Revolution†† by Jennifer Donnelly - 3.7 ★

I found Revolution to be both a different and interesting YA read. It would have rated higher but it took awhile both for me to get into this intricate story and to connect with the angst ridden main character. This was one of the first books I loaded on my Kindle when I first got it over a year and a half ago.

54. The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane - 3.5 ★

The Forgotten Legion has been sitting on my shelves since August, 2009. The first part in a trilogy, of which the next two are also on my shelves. A historical adventure story with lots of action, somewhat violent, but a fun read. My brother has been dropping hints that I should pass this one along to him soon.

55. Thrush Green by Miss Read - 5.0 ★

This is a re-read of an old favorite. I read this series a great many years ago and loved it. I found some of the books in a second hand store last summer and picked them up to enjoy again at my leisure. This particular book I have been carrying around in my purse to read while waiting at appointments. I dug it out yesterday and decided to finish it. I still love this book, and although a little tattered, this one is a keeper.

JUNE 2012 RECAP

# of bombs at start of June = 440
# of bombs at end of June = 454

# of bombs read off the shelves in June = 11
# of bombs added to the shelves in June = 25

YTD Books Read = 94
YTD Bombs Read = 55

% of Bombs read vs other sources = 58.5%

As per usual, I have no trouble reading books from my shelves, but I need to control my adding of new books - I did purchase five books to celebrate by Thingaversary, and quite a few Kindle Daily Deals.

I'm enjoying Wolf Hall in limited doses. I'm finding it's not a book to read when I'm tired or distracted, as I get mixed up. Of course, if I leave off reading it for too long, I find myself confused, too.

Devil and the White City was a favorite of mine. Glad to hear you liked it so much, Judy.

Thanks Terri. I agree that Wolf Hall required a lot of concentration to keep yourself orientated. I did think that the author did manage to breath life into a historical character that has never seemed that approachable, and I liked the broad use of humor in the book as well.

The Devil in the White City was simply just a wonderful story and a great example of how absorbing a non-fiction book can be!

56. The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan - 4.0 ★

My first book off my shelves in July was the vampire suspense story The Strain. I personally really liked the book, but would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who can't abide extreme violence and gore. This is the first in the trilogy, and although I fully plan on reading the other two at some point, I won't be rushing out to get them right away. This book will now be passed on to my brother who also enjoys the odd vampire story or two.

57. Box Nine by Jack O'Connell - 4.3 ★

I have had this one sitting on my shelf for a couple of years, it was recommended by a fellow LTer. I loved the wild ride this book provided, but a word of caution, it is extremely violent with intense scenes. This is the first in a loosely connected series, and I look forward to reading more from this original author.

58. The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter van Tilburg Clark - 4.5 ★

Another treasure found on my shelves. This classic story of mob mentality and individual morality was riveting. Extrememly well written, and a book that will long stay with me. Although my brother is sure he has read this one before, he is up for a reread, so it will be going to him.

59. Playing With Bones by Kate Ellis - 4.3 ★

I bought the first two book in this series a couple of years ago, and now, having completed the second, I will have to go and buy some more. I found this British Police Procedural an excellent read. Set in the thinly veiled city of York, the author serves up a great mystery with a hint of the supernatural, and peoples her books with multi-layered characters that are interesting to read about. Looking forward to Book #3.

I think I'll look for that Kate Ellis series, Judy. Sounds like something I'd like.

Hi Terri, I really like this series, the slight hint of supernatural makes it a little different and it stands out from many of the other British Crime Series.

60. The Black Angel by Cornell Woolrich - 4.0 ★

My brother and I split the cost of a number of noir thrillers last summer, he read this one first and then passed it on to me. It captures the true essence of noir and I really enjoyed the story, even to the point of overlooking one plot hole large enough to drive a truck through! This book is now off the shelves and will be on it's way to a second-hand store soon.

61. Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★

Another book that I orginally got from my brother and had been sitting on my shelf for over a year. A epic fantasy that revolves around the theme of revenge. Extremely violent and graphic, but also extremely well written and gripping. This was my first book by this author, but I will be looking for more. Another book that is destined for the second hand store.

62. The Lotus Eaters†† by Tatjana Soli - 4.2 ★

Although I never totally warmed to the main character, I gradually came to understand her through the pages of this book. The story was extremely interesting as it told of a young woman working as a photographer during the Viet Nam War. She spent a great deal of time with the American troops. and as so many that experienced that country then, she was changed. I have had this book on my kindle for some time and I'm glad to see another book cleared from the device.

63. Montacute House†† by Lucy Jago - 2.8 ★

Another Kindle read, I've had this one awhile and was looking forward to reading it for this month's Reading Through Time Challenge. Unfortunately I did not care for the disjointed, unbelieveable plot and found the book to be more fantasy than factual. At least it's another book completed for this challenge.

64. Secrets in Burracombe†† by Lilian Harry - 3.9 ★

This is the 6th book in Lilian Harry's series about a small English village during the early 1950's, and for me, a great escapist read. After reading all 6 books, I feel as if I really know these people and I look forward to continuing on reading about their lives. Another book off my kindle.

As it's the last day of the month, I won't be setting off any more bombs for the month, so my total this month is 9 books.

JULY 2012 RECAP

# of bombs at start of July = 454
# of bombs at emd of July = 462

# of bombs read off the shelves in July = 9
# of bombs added to shelves in July = 17

YTD Total Books Read = 108
YTS Total BOMBS Read = 64
% of BOMBS read vs. other sources of books = 59.2%

I think my books are having babies, as I certainly don't remember adding 17 books to my shelves during July!

I'm pretty sure someone breaks into my house when I'm not there and instead of taking things, they bring things and leave them. Whoever this is sure has lot of books they want to get rid of!

Ah, that would help explain it as well! ;)

65. The Cotton Queen by Pamela Morsi - 3.8 ★

A well written story of two generations of women, mother and daughter, as they work through issues involving trust, understanding and emotional availability. I've had The Cotton Queen on my shelves for some time, originally bought because the cover intrigued me. I will now pass this book onto the women in my family, my sister and mother.

66. 22 Accessible Road Trips by Candy Harrington - 4.0 ★

While neither my husband or I are wheelchair bound, we are of an age where hip, knee and back problems make easy, accessible travel books an aid in our travel planning. I especially liked how level, scenic walks were offered for every area that the author described. I received this book through the ER program, and it now hold a permanent place on my shelves.

67. King of the Streets by John Baker - 4.3 ★

On my shelves since April, 2010, King of the Streets is the third entry in John Bakers' series about recovering alchoholic Sam Turner and the motley crew that works with him. This is one of my favorite series and the author didn't let me down with this one. I enjoyed it and I'm happy I have a couple more of this series on the shelf.

Got me with a book bullet! I just added the first Sam Turner series book to my list.

Hi Terri, I am finding the Sam Turner series really good, hope you enjoy them as well.

68. Tall Poppies by Louise Bagshawe - 3.1 ★

Don't be fooled by the lower rating, I enjoyed Tall Poppies by Louise Bagshawe but reading this book is like eating a doughnut, enjoyable at the time, but with no lasting benefits. This was the perfect read for me as I was battling a summer cold and couldn't concentrate for very long. It's great to have this one off my shelf where it has been sitting for a couple of years. It will soon be on it's way to the second hand bookstore.

69. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - 4.0 ★

This huge book has kept me engrossed for days! What an imagination this author has. The Name of the Wind is incredibly detailed and complex which made the book switch between being powerful and compelling to also being drawn out and overly wordy. Overall I enjoyed this high fantasy and plan on continuing on with the trilogy. I think by sister who reads fantasy will enjoy this detailed story so I pass this along to her.

70. Harp of Burma by Michio Takeyama - 4.2 ★

A small book, but packed with emotion. This slightly surreal tale of a Japanese unit in Burma at the close of WW II was beautifully written, and leaves one with a message of brotherhood and peace. I will definitely be passing this book on to family members.

71. A Shilling For Candles by Josephine Tey - 4.0 ★

I love classic British mysteries, and A Shilling For Candles was no exception. Witty dialogue and interesting characters move this Inspector Grant story along and I enjoyed every page. Another book to pass along to the family.

I'll be reading Shilling soon for one of my bookclubs! Glad it's a good one. :)

It is a good one, Laura. I hope you enjoy it.

72. The High Crusade by Poul Anderson - 4.1 ★

What a fun read this book turned out to be. Aliens landing in England during the Medieval Age. Lots swordplay and humor. This was my first book by Poul Anderson, as I have always been a little nervous of science fiction, but I really enjoyed it. I don't know if any of my family members have read this one, so I will take it along to them and see if anyone is interested. If not, then it will be off to the second hand store.

I've never read Anderson (that I remember), but this one sounds really good. Odd and interesting.

Hi Gail, my attention was drawn to this book by a member of the Yearly Categtory Challenge that read it last year, It sounded like a different and fun read which is exactly what it turned out to be.

73. The Legate's Daughter by Wallace Breem - 3.9 ★

My plan of reading entirely off my shelf this month is going well. I've read some very different books and I can see some spaces actually opening up. The Legate's Daughter has been on my shelves for some time and I picked it up this month since it fit the Reading Through Time Theme. This was a very intricate look at Roman political intrigues and one man's attempt at personal redemption. Not an easy read, but interesting with vivid descriptions and rich historical detail.

74. Stone Song: A Novel of the Life of Crazy Horse by Win Blevins - 5.0 ★

I have been totally immersed in the life of Crazy Horse and the Plains Indian way of life for the last couple of days. Taking the facts that are known about this complex man, the author has breathed life and spirit into this story. I was spellbound. This one came from my brother so now is on it's way to the second hand store.

75. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm†† by Kate Douglas Wiggin - 3.0 ★

Read this off my Kindle. Chose to read this as it fit a TIOLI Challenge and also a 12 in 12 Category. I enjoyed it, but definitely found it dated. I would say this one falls between Rose in Bloom and Anne of Green Gables. Rebecca is more likeable and realistic than Rose, but not nearly as believeable or intriguing as Anne.

76. Tooth And Nail†† by Craig DiLouie - 3.5 ★

Another one off my Kindle, and I've had this one quite some time. A light, quick, zombie-like read that was perfect for reading while on vacation. The story reminded me a little of the movie, "28 Days Later" as a strange disease took hold of America and the military tried to cope with the flesh-eating creatures that people turned into.

77. Murder On The Links†† by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★

My last book for the month, a Hercule Poirot mystery that was a fun read and one that I don't think I had read before. A nice. light read and a perfect close to a busy reading month. This book was read off my Kindle.

AUGUST 2012 RECAP

# of Bombs on Shelves at Beginning of August = 462
# of Bombs on Shelves at End of August = 473

# of Bombs read Off Shelves in August = 13
# of Bombs added to Shelves in August = 24

YTD Total # of Books Read = 121
YTD Total # of Books Read
of the Shelf = 77

% of Bombs vs Books Read from Other Sources = 63.6 %

I succeeded in reading only books from my shelves for the total month. However, I see that my books on the shelf managed to grow by 24.

78. Resolution†† by Robert B. Parker - 4.0 ★

The second in his Virgil Cole/Everett Hitch western series, Revolution kept me glued to the pages. Witty, humorous and interesting, I love these books and enjoy the chemistry between the two main characters. Another one off my Kindle.

79. Enna Burning†† by Shannon Hale - 3.0 ★

Another story off my Kindle. I was a little disappointed in this book, as I loved the first book in the series, The Goose Girl so much. This one just didn't measure up. The first half of the book was especially slow, although it did pick up somewhat in the second half.

80. Bad Boy by Peter Robinson - 4.3 ★

I loved this book, a tight, taunt thriller that was a real page turner. This is the 19th book in the Inspector Banks series, and all I can say is - Bring on number 20!

>170 DeltaQueen50:: Ooh, I'll have to pick that one up at the library next time I go! Haven't read a Banks book in a while. (Never mind that I own an earlier book in the series that hasn't been read yet!)

Hi Rabbitprincess, I was so glad that I loved this book as I wasn't all that taken with the previous one, All the Colors of Darkness. Overall, though, this has been an outstanding series and Peter Robinson has mostly kept the level very high.

81. Breed by Chase Novak - 4.1 ★

I received this book through the Early Reviewers Program here at LT. I found this to be a great horror read that simply doesn't allow itself to be taken too seriously. There is something to laugh at one moment and then something to be distrubed about the next. A fast read that reminded me a little of Rosemary's Baby.

82. Heart of the Family by Annie Groves - 3.8 ★

On my shelves for well over a year, this book is the third in Annie Groves series about a family in Liverpool as they live through World War II. It is now 1941 and Liverpool has come through the brutal bombing it received in the closing days of 1940, and by the book's end, Pearl Harbor has drawn the American's into the war. Following every member of the immediate family, along with aunts, uncles and cousins, these various stories give us a very detailed picture of Liverpool during this time in history. This series is also enjoyed by my Mother and now this book will be moved along to her.

83. Faithful Place by Tana French - 5.0 ★

I let this one sit far too long. My favorite of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad Series so far. So much more than a murder mystery, this book is hauntingly disturbing in it frank and gritty look at the lasting damage family can inflict upon it's own members. Cam't wait to pass this one along to other family members.

Judy, I'm glad to see that you liked Faithful Place. I was rather disappointed in The Likeness -- it seemed too implausible -- so wasn't sure if to continue the series. I guess I will.

Terri, I enjoyed The Likeness but you are right that was one huge implausibility to accept. I felt it took away from my enjoyment of the book. Believe me, she does such a great job with Faithful Place, it's well worth your reading.

84. The Land of Summer by Charlotte Bingham - 1.5 ★

The Land of Summer was such a disappointment. I have read and enjoyed this author in the past, but this book was really bad. Thin plot, unbelieveable characters - the best thing about it was the cover, which actually had no connection to the story whatsoever. This book may just have to take a long walk on a short pier, if you know what I mean.

176, 177: I loved The Likeness. It wasn't plausible at all, you're quite right. I guess at some point fairly early on I started reading it more as a fantasy than as a work of realism.

What I found so fascinating was the author's exploration of the whole question of identity. I thought she did a marvelous job of showing how one person slid inside another's being to the point that she herself nearly dissolved. French pulled off some effects that I've never seen done in fiction before. That's why I gave it high marks even though my disbelief just wouldn't stay suspended for long.

I give Tana French a lot of credit in both being able to sell the plot of The Likeness to her reading public and also just for the sheer quality of her writing, no matter the subject or the plot, she's a joy to read.

85. A Cafe on the Nile by Bartle Bull - 4.5 ★

This was a great way to get over my disappointment with my last read. A Cafe on the Nile was an exciting adventure yarn that was highly entertaining. This is the second in the author's African Trilogy and I look forward to readng the last volume. My brother has been waiting for this book for some time and will be glad that I finally got around to it.

86. Apocalypse of the Dead by Joe McKinney - 3.8 ★

A fast paced thriller, I quite enjoyed Apocalypse of the Dead although parts of it were quite chilling. I don't mean the infected people that turned into zombie like creatures either. What chilled me was how fast the various governments collapsed and people found themselves totally alone and searching for a place of safety. This book kept me glued to it's pages and will now be passed on to family members.

Apocalypse of the Dead sounds like it might be a good gift for my boyfriend, given how chilling you found the aspect of how the society collapsed and people had to fend for themselves. That's exactly what he finds most interesting in post-apocalyptic fiction. He's already read The Walking Dead and World War Z so this might make a good addition to his collection.

Hi Rabbitprincess, I love The Walking Dead, both the graphic novels and the TV version. I also loved World War Z when I read it. Apocalypse of the Dead can't really compare to these two in my opinion. It is however, a fast paced thriller that lays out a pretty good theory for both how the zombies come to be and how this infection takes over the world, so your boyfriend may enjoy the story.

SEPTEMBER 2012 RECAP

# of Bombs on shelves at beginning of September = 473
# of Bombs on shelves at end of September = 484

# of bombs read off shelves during September = 9
# of bombs added to shelves in September = 20

YTD Total # of Books Read = 137
YTD Totle # of Bombs detonated = 86

% of bombs detonated vs. books read from other sources = 63%

I have 24 books left to read in order to reach my goal of 110 bombs detonated for the year, should be able to reach that target within the 3 months left.

87. Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry - 4.0 ★

I received this book through LT's Early Review Program. Dealing with the issues of physical and mental abuse, this YA book was both dark and compelling. Ultimately leaving the reader with a message of hope, I found Watching Jimmy to be a well written, interesting read.

88. Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen - 3.7 ★

I have had this book on my shelves for a couple of years, it was a good read, and missed being a great read simply because the plot got rather outrageous as the book progressed. Peopled with wonderful characters, this story of a damaged young woman striving to both help her friends and make sense of her life was both touching and bittersweet. Lesley Kagen is definitely an author I will continue to be on the lookout for.

89. This World We Live In†† by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 3.8 ★

The final volume in the Last Survivor series by Susan Beth Pfeffer, I felt this gave an adequate closure to the story without sugar-coating or bringing in some kind of miracle. The author left the reader with some hope for a future and really, thatès all one can ask from a story of this nature. Another one off my Kindle.

90. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien - 4.3 ★

Have had The Things They Carried on my shelf for some time, first my husband read it and now I have. A thought-provoking book about combat soliders in Viet Nam that at times was very uncomfortable to read as I felt I was totally invading the author's memories. Realistic, hard-hitting and well worth the time invested.

189: I agree with your feeling that The Things They Carried is almost painfully intimate, as well as sounding like a very authentic account of wartime experience. One of my sons read it as an assigned book for school, and when I got to it myself some years later I really wondered at the wisdom of giving it to kids. It seemed to me that it would take a certain level of maturity both to read it well and also to withstand it

Wow, I find it amazing that this was assigned reading for school. I certainly hope there was a goodly amount of discussion about it, as I agree that it could be a little too much for kids to take in.

91. Dracula†† by Bram Stoker - 4.5 ★

My first read of this classic and I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. A dark, romantic thriller and a perfect read for a chilly autumn night. This version was on my Kindle and now, I think I need to get myself a real copy as I can see reading this classic vampire tale again.

92. Dark Blood by Stuart MacBride - 4.4 ★

Dark Blood is the 6th book in Stuart MacBride's series about the Aberdeen, Scotland police force and as usual has delivered a first class, gritty police procedural. The book will be passed on to family members and I will be looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

93. The Giver†† by Lois Lowry - 4.2 ★

A small book that delivers a strong impact, The Giver is a YA dystopian about a world where safety has come to mean a loss of individuality and the freedom to make choices. A excellent read that had been sitting on my Kindle for some time.

94. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville - 4.7 ★

Have had this one sitting on my shelves for about a year and a half. Perdido Street Station is part fantasy, part sci-fi and totally original. I am in awe of this author's imagination which has delivered a fully realized city, peopled it with amazing creatures and still given me a wonderful story of love, excitement and betrayal. I will be passing this book on to my sister who loves both fantasy and sci-fi.

95. One Grave Too Many by Beverly Connor - 3.1 ★

I pulled this book down from the shelves as it fit a TIOLI Challenge, but unfortunately, I never quite got into this book. It just didn't hold my attention. Now it's on it's way to the second hand store.

I too am in awe of China Mieville's imagination (though I haven't read Perdido Street Station).

#197 - Hi Paws, I had heard so many good things about China Mieville (mostly over at the Category Challenge) that I had very high expectations for Perdido Street Station, and even with these high expectation, I still loved this book. I will definitely be fitting at least one of books into my next years challenge.

I'm so glad you liked it. I long for the day when I can read it (not allowed to buy books atm so might be a very long while - still, a girl can dream...)

Well. at least having books to look forward to is a good incentive for clearing the ones you have off your shelf!

96. Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George - 3.8 #9733;

Jessica Day George continues to charm with her second entry in her Princess of the Midnight Ball series. Princess of Glass is based on the classic Cinderella, and the author cleverly uses the fairy godmother, the glass slippers and a handsome prince but gives the story a very clever twist, so that we find the brave Princess Poppy fighting to vanquish the magic spell and release the handsome prince from the curse. Simple, light and frothy this was a fun, humorous read. I've had this book on my shelf since last summer when I bought it after enjoying the first book in the series. I will pass this along to my fantasy loving daughter.

This should finish my October entries as I have a couple of library books to finish for the balance of the month. My goal is actually looking obtainable with 14 left to go. As long as I read 7 books from my shelf in November and December, I will reach it.

Looks like you're in good shape to make your goal, Judy!

#203 - Hi Terri, yes, it's taken me most of the year to actually feel like I will be able to finish this challenge.

OCTOBER 2012 RECAP

# of bombs on shelves at beginning of October = 485
# of bombs on shelves at end of October = 493

# of bombs read off the shelves in October = 10
# of bombs added to the shelves in October = 18

YTD Total # of Bombs Read = 155
YTD Total # of Bombs detonated = 96

% of Bombs detonated versus books read from other sources = 62%

With 14 more books to read to reach my goal of 110 Bombs detonated, I should complete the challenge in December.

97. War Party by Louis L'Amour - 3.6 ★

My first book for November is this skinny volume of 10 short stories by this master of the western genre. I thought all the stories were good, but my three favorites were "One For the Pot", "War Party" and "The Gift of Cochise". I will pass this book along to my brother who also quite likes Westerns.

98. The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley - 3.8 ★

I found this book to be an very good character study of a very bad woman. Based on a true story, Eastern Jewel vowed to live her life on her terms, but frankly, I thought she was exploited over and over again. With so much sexual content, I doubt if I will be passing this one on to my Mum!

Your last comment made me smile, DeltaQueen. Some of the naughtiest people I know are older women. They think it's funny that their children assume older people are less experienced than they are. Not that your mum would be one of those...

Hi Meredy, I certainly know what you mean about naughty! I am in my sixties, so would definitely consider myself an older woman (and a naughty one at that). My Mom is in her nineties and probably would enjoy a risque book, but she doesn't always remember to speak in her quiet voice in public and has been known to utter some cringe worthy comments - that last thing she needs is more amunition! :)

she doesn't always remember to speak in her quiet voice in public and has been known to utter some cringe worthy comments - that last thing she needs is more amunition! :)

Good thinking, Judy! :)

Thanks, Terri.

99. The Grand Sophy †† by Georgette Heyer - 4.5 ★

Another winner from Georgette Heyer. I know I say this everytime I read one of her books, but I really think The Grand Sophy will long reign as one of my absolute favorites. Another bomb removed from my Kindle.

100. Feed by Mira Grant - 3.0 ★

I was disappointed in this book. A great idea of mixing a zombie story with a political conspiracy thriller, but unfortunately the author simply over-wrote the story. Exrememly repetitious and the use of the same scenarios over and over again made for a rather boring read. At least I've cleared my shelves of a thick book, it's now off to the second hand store.

101. Henrietta's War†† by Joyce Dennys - 4.0 ★

This book proved to be a delightful way to while away a few hours. Based on articles she wrote during the war and now complied together in a book, Henrietta's War is presented as a series of letters written by a doctor's wife to a childhood friend who is off serving his country. Another one to be erased from the Kindle, but I am happy to say, I have the sequel, Henrietta Sees It Through waiting for it's turn.

Oh, I'm glad you posted this! I have Henrietta's War somewhere in the TBRs and I had forgotten about it. Need to move it to the top of the top.

#215 - It's a nice, light read perfect for a dreary November evening. Hope you enjoy!

102. The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going - 3.1 ★

This one has been sitting on my shelf for a year or so, and it's a hard one to review as it was definitely too junvenile for my taste, but nevertheless, I think it could well strike a chord with a younger reader. The Garden of Eve deals with the pain of losing a loved one, in this case a mother. With the use of magical realism, the young girl is brought to the realization that life goes on and that we never really leave our dead behind, but carry them in our hearts with us.

103. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - 5.0 ★

I believe this is one of those books that readers either love or hate. I definitely come down on the side of love. A adventure story, set in the future but referencing 1980's pop culture that I found both addictive and thrilling. I can hardly wait to pass this one on to my brother, a true gamer, and see what his reaction is.

104. Who Goes There? by John W Campbell - 4.1 ★

I've had this short book sitting on my Kindle for some time and finally was able to squeeze it in. A classic sci-fi story about a research camp in Antarctica that finds a frozen alien body, thaws it out and unleashes a terror on themshelves. A short, scary and fun read.

105. The Mystic Rose by Stephen Lawhead - 3.0 ★

The Mystic Rose has been sitting on my shelf for about four years, and as this is the final book of a trilogy, I was glad to get it cleared. Unfortunately, I found this the weakest of the three books which were about the gathering and preserving of holy relics during the Middle Ages. This book is now off to the second hand store.

106. The Last Trail†† by Zane Grey - 3.6 ★

A fairly quick story set in the Ohio wilderness shortly after the American Revolution. This is the last of the three books Grey wrote that were loosely grouped together as the "Ohio River Trilogy". This was originally published in 1909 so the writing was somewhat dated and florid, but his descriptions of the woodlands was poetic. Another one off my Kindle.

November's done and now I just have four books to read off my shelves during December to reach my goal of 110 books read. Very doable.

Wow, you've done really well, Judy!

Way to go, Judy! What did you think of the others in the Lawhead series you just finished? I've only read the Robin Hood series (and still have the last, Tuck, to finish) and am enjoying his writing - would you rec your series, or is there another title of his that you've enjoyed?

#223 - Thanks, Terri

#224 - Laura, I have mixed feelings about Stephen Lawhead. Actually I really liked the first book in the Celtic Crusades, The Iron Lance and I liked the second one well enough to continue on. It might just have been that it wasn't the right book at the right time, but I didn't really enjoy The Mystic Rose very much. You'd think I would have liked it better since it was the only one of the three that had a woman as the main character. These are the only Stephen Lawhead's that I have read. I was planning on reading his Robin Hood trilogy, but then I heard about Angus Donald's trilogy and have decided to try that one instead. I won't cross Stephen Lawhead off my list though, I may try something else by him at some point.

NOVEMBER RECAP

# of Bombs on shelves at beginning of November = 493
# of Bombs on shelves at end of November = 512

# of Bombs read of the shelves in November = 10
# of bombs added to the shelves in November = 29

YTD Total # of books read = 172
YTD Total # of bombs read = 106

% of Bombs detonated vs books read from other sources = 62%

4 books to go = success is on the horizon!

I've given up worrying about how many books I am adding each month, eventually I will either stop because I have enough or, more likely, cause I'm buried somewhere in my house under a pile of books!

Thanks for the info Judy, will keep your notes and refer to them when I start looking into his works again.

I'm betting on the house-burial situation, since that's the only way I'll stop too! :)

107. The Water's Lovely by Ruth Rendell - 3.2 ★

My first bomb for December and a mixed review from me. I love this author's writing and the story kept me avidly turning pages to the end, but I ended up hating the ending and I felt she was little lazy with her plot devices. This one is on it's way to the second hand store.

108. A Tale of Two Cities†† by Charles Dickens - 4.2 ★

This book has won the place of my favorite Dickens. The audio format worked very well with this book and by the time I got to book three, I couldn't bear to turn it off. An epic melodrama with elements of love, hate, and revenge told with a backdrop of the French Revolution. Wonderfully plotted and peopled with the great characters that Dickens is known for. An excellent read.

109. The Christmas Mouse†† & No Holly For Miss Quinn†† by Miss Read - 4.0 ★

These two small books I am counting as one as they are often grouped together. These stories were perfect to get me in the mood for Christmas. Set in rural English villages circa the mid-fifties, they tell of a simplier time when the joys of Christmas were the smell of pine boughs, the singing of carols in church, and the taste of mince pies. Warm, cozy and very atmospheric.

My goal is finally reached!

110. Island Madness by Tim Binding - 4.1 ★

I enjoyed this book as it gave great details about the occupation of Guernsey Island during World War II. Partly a murder mystery, partly historical fiction, I liked how the author developed each character according to their own moral makeup not solely because they were German or British. I will be passing this book along to family members.

And I am now done with this challenge, although I will continue to post any further books I read from my shelves here until year end.

Congratulations, DeltaQueen50!

YAY! Congrats!

Congratulations Judi! That's a great challenge amount to have read.

Congratulations!

Thanks everybody. I really had to work to stay focused on reading from my shelves this year, I have actually set my goal for next year at 10 less for a total of 100.

Woohoo, congrats, Judy!!!

Success, Judy! Great Job!

Thanks, Laura and Cheli.

Congrats, Judy! 110 books is great to begin with -- 110 off your own shelves is amazing!

Thanks, Terri.

111. A Christmas Wedding Wager†† by Michelle Styles - 1.0 ★

I can't think of any redeeming qualities for this book. Even the title is wrong as there was very little Christmas in this book. I was hoping for a light, frothy, festive romance, but instead got a heavy, plodding story that felt more like 600 pages than the 300 that it was. It's a joy to wipe this one off my Kindle.

112. Call of the Wild†† by Jack London - 4.1 ★

I've been planning on reading Call of the Wild all year and I am so glad that I was finally able to squeeze it in. Jack London's writing is masterful and strong, the story of an exceptional dog who undergoes tremendous cruelty was at times difficult to read, but overall a wonderful story. Another one to clear from my Kindle.

113. The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.1 ★

Received this book as a Christmas gift in 2008, and it was well worth the wait. i find Elizabeth Chadwick to be a very reliable author, and she didn't let me down with this conclusion to her Wild Hunt Trilogy. Another book off my shelves.

114. The Day of the Triffids†† by John Wyndham - 4.3 ★

I really enjoyed this sci-fi classic. It definitely had the flavor of the 1950's in both it's style and themes. I read The Chrysalids last year and I am looking forward to getting to The Midwich Cuckoos later on in 2013. This will be my final Kindle read for the year.

115. A Killing Frost by R.D. Wingfield - 4.6 ★

This is the final volume in the adventures of Inspector Frost of the Denton police force. In this book he is as crumpled, slap-dash and foul mouthed as ever, and as per usual, he is also trying to cope with an overload of cases while dealing with a self-righteous superior. A police procedural that is humerous, bawdy and exciting. i will miss this series tremendously.