Tututhefirst joins in

Forum75 Books Challenge for 2008

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1tututhefirst
Dez. 3, 2008, 11:17 pm

Hello all you 75 in 2008 groupies. I guess it's better late than never. I've done a lot of reading this year (being laid up for 5 mos early in the year meant a lot of reading got accomplished). It was only when I was organizing for the 999 challenge, and cataloging our collection that I realized I'm pretty close to your 75 ( and should be able to complete this by the end of the year. Since I have so many extras on my 999 list I can pull some from there. Anything to get my TBR pile down. It seems to have grown logarithmically (sp?) since I joined LT!

So I plan to post my 75 in batches as i get them rated and reviewed. Some won't get reviewed --either because the whole world has already done so, or because they weren't memorable enough to rate all that effort.

I look forward to your comments and suggestions for more tomes to topple the tbr pile.

Tina

2ronincats
Dez. 3, 2008, 11:39 pm

Welcome! We look forward to your list.

3tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 4, 2008, 12:00 am

The earliest batch were last year's Christmas gifts:

1. Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon. I had completed the Mitford series last year and fell in love with these gentle but believable people. I would never have thought that I would so like this particular genre, but they were just the ticket when I was ill. So when this newest one came out, Santa made sure it was under the tree. I am really looking forward to this being the start of a new series.

2. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I had recently lost my Dad to cancer and found this a realistic and comforting read. I made me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time) but reaffirmed the experience I had in the final days of my father's life.

3.Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. I am a great fan of bookmobiles and of Corgis so this one was a very enjoyable read for me. It brought back fond memories of my visits to the Baltimore county bookmobile when it came to our corner of the world every Friday afternoon. I remember even then (at about age 8 or 9) being frustrated at having to decide which 4 books I was going to take home. "So many books, so little time." I don't believe in spoilers, but if you haven't read this, it's a wonderful winter afternoon, hot chocolate and popcorn feel good book. For those of us who are librarians, it's particularly affirming to have such a positive view of reading and the value of the written word.

4. Innocent Deceptions by Gweneth Atlee. This is no Gone with the Wind. A so-so story purporting to be a romance about a young girl left to defend her home (and her little brother) while the men were out doing the real fighting. This was an audio book I listened to during a snow storm when nothing else was available and I was too ill to sit up and hold a real book. I wouldn't put in on my 'read it again' list.

5.Aunt Dimity Beats the Devil by Nancy Atherton. A wonderful little cozy, easy read, and although I'm not a believer in the paranormal, these books are so well written, I allow myself to suspend my disbelief and simply enjoy. I'll not spoil the story, but the setting in Cornwall, and the delightful characters, all make for read that says 'bring me the next one in the series.'

4tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 4, 2008, 12:47 am

The next batch is by M.C. Beaton. I got absolutely hooked on Hamish MacBeth, and his on again/off again romance with Pricsilla. So I (again on audio) 'read' everyone I could get my hands on. The narrations by Graeme Malcolm are marvelous: he is particularly adept at different voices and dialects. So I polished off (at least) 10
Death of a Cad
Death of a Maid
Death of a Gentle Lady
Death of a Gossip
Death of an Addict
Death of a Hussy
Death of a Macho Man
Death of a Snob
Death of a Scriptwriter and
Death of a Dreamer

5tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 4, 2008, 12:51 am

16. My next adventure was one I both read in hard cover and listened to as an audio. Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson was delightful, and enlightening. The author has that rare ability to be able to write in the first person, describing his experiences while he conducts what is almost a graduate level seminar lecture on all kinds of facts about his current topic. I live on the top edge of the Appalachian Trail, here in Maine and have at other times in my life lived near other parts further south. I learned more about the geography, plant and animal life, weather patterns, National Park Service, and outdoor skills than any five other books could have taught me. And I had fun learning.

17. I then went on to In a Sunburned Country, his story of crossing Australia. My husband and I were planning a trip to Australia in 2009 (note the word WERE--stock market kinda knocked that one out of the picture for awhile) and I wanted to hear his version of riding the Indian Pacific Railway. Once again, the geology, geography, archaeology, history, and politics I learned were incredible. I highly recommend these to anyone who likes some expanded information along with their travel.

I actually have two more of his on my 999 list: Shakespeare: World as Stage and A Short History of Nearly everything - I can hardly wait for 2009!

6tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 4, 2008, 12:53 am

I went from cozies to much deeper reading:

18. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. I cannot remember when I have been so powerfully affected by a book. This is a must read, and is one of my top 5 for the year.

19. Another of my top five is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Being Italian, and loving food, I dove right into this one. I knew virtually nothing of Hindu religious practice and so was deeply impressed by the middle portion of the book. I have visited the far east and could relate to the Indonesian section but still gained an incredible knowledge of customs, philosophy, and politics.

20. I'm not a dog person, but Marley and Me by John Grogan almost made a believer out of me. This is a delightful, and much deeper than it appears on the surface story of a man and his dog and the effort expended by both to develop a lasting relationship. Not many books make me cry, but this one did. It's on my 'read it again and again' list.

21.On the other hand (couldn't resist the pun!) The Other by David Guterson not only didn't make the 'read it again' list, it hardly made the finish line. While I loved his Snow falling on cedars this one did nothing for me and I had to struggle to finish it. I usually have a 50 page rule, but since I had bought this book new, for some unknown reason, I felt I had to slog thru it. I may take it up again in a couple years to see if I have a different opinion. What's so awful is that I can't even remember why I didn't like it, except that I seem to remember characters i couldn't relate to and a plot I couldn't find.

7tututhefirst
Dez. 4, 2008, 1:03 am

Diese Nachricht wurde vom Autor gelöscht.

8drneutron
Dez. 4, 2008, 8:48 am

Nice list! Thanks for letting us know what you think of 'em.

9flissp
Dez. 4, 2008, 11:05 am

Hi tutthefirst! An interesting mix of stuff...

Is it just me, or has nearly everyone in this group read The Uncommon Reader this year?! My parents bought it for me last Christmas - I'm clearly going to have to read it over the holidays...

10Fourpawz2
Dez. 4, 2008, 1:51 pm

I never even heard of The Uncommon Reader until about a week and a half ago. I doubt, very much, that I'll be reading it - too much buzz and I really have no interest at all in Liz2.

11tututhefirst
Dez. 4, 2008, 1:55 pm

These next batches are not in any date order- I do know that my reading began to shift from fiction to non-fiction in late spring as I began to feel stronger and could hold real books. Also was able to get back to my volunteer job at the town library and finally undertake the job of automating our 6000 volume collection. Of course that meant that since every adult book passed thru my hands, my TBR list got bigger and bigger.

22. Free for all: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Borchert. I laughed and laughed. He has great stories to tell. Anyone who has ever worked in a public library, whether at the circ or reference desks, shelving in the stacks, or 'behind the scenes' will find a story or two to which he/she can relate. It was especially gratifying to see that life in the big city library is similar to life in the small town (Pop. 1400) library. Just a matter of scale.

23.1001 Books You Must read before you die I got this from the BIG public library via ILL, just to see what the experts say I'm supposed to read -- too many dead books for me. I did actually go thru the whole thing, and was able to deduce that I had actually read 52 from the list. Now I wish I'd written them down.
I do remember seeing that one of my all time favorites Confederacy of Dunces made the list - funny I haven't read it this year, but have read it at least 5 times. Others I remember were somthing by Lawrence Durell--one of my un-favorites, something by John Barth-i've read most of his, and several that I did put on my tbr list.

24. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. This book was inspiring and reminded me for some reason of Marek Halter's Book of Abraham which I read YEARS ago, and have put on my re-read list. I know I posted about this book (should have made it a review) on another thread but can't find it at the moment. Might have been on the audio books group....I listened to this book and had some difficulties with the narrator's trying to produce a wide range of accents. The setting in the story went from Bosnia, Serbia to 13th century Spain, with some Australians, Brits, and (if I remember correctly) Italians and Germans thrown into the mix. I sometimes had trouble tracking who was who. It was one of the few books I think I'd prefer in print vice audio. I have made a note to read in black and white just to sort out characters better. However, that said, it was a fascinating story, richly written and well researched. I've also put her book March on my 999 list.

25. Purrfect Murder - A Rita Mae Brown mystery. I must have at least one dose of Mrs. Murphy, Tucker and Pewter every few months to satisfy my cat loving soul. All her stories are delightful.

26. The Thirteen American Arguments by Howard Fineman. A truly fascinating book. With an attorney for a daughter, and a history teacher for a husband, this book was a real discussion starter, and made me want to go to law school. I originally listened to it on audio, but found I was referring to it in family chats so often, that we bought a permanent copy for our library. Each of the thirteen principles is set out clearly with well defined historical, philosophical and political insights. One of my top five of the year. (See my full review) don't know how to link that.

27. The Wrecking Crew: How Conservatives Rule followed the 13 Arguments. I was glad I read them in that order. I know that I was aware of much of the content (won't get into a political discussion here) but being brought face to face with the reality of what had happened to our democracy in the past years was quite discouraging. Thomas Frank presents well-researched, extremely well-documented explanations of his thesis. A must read for any American wanting to understand the thinking of the current (for the moment) administration and how we got where we are.

28. I read Bulls Island by Dorothea Frank because I like the Carolina shoreline setting. don't remember much about it, --sorta Romeo/Juliet romance. Would make a great beach read.
Better than a bodice ripper, but not up with Pat Conroy. I wish we could give 1/2 stars. i rated it 2 'cause it's not a 3, but it is better than a 2.

12ronincats
Dez. 4, 2008, 7:56 pm

# 9 and #10--I think Stacia read An Uncommon Reader first last January, and then there was a gradual accretion of discussion about it. I bought it last month and read it. And it's not really about Liz2, Fourpawz, it is more about the experience of reading, along with some subtle and not so subtle satire of the royals in general.

13porch_reader
Dez. 4, 2008, 10:06 pm

Hi Tututhefirst! I'm glad you've joined us here on the 2008 thread, and I already see you over on 2009 too! I've read several of the books on your list (People of the Book, Eat, Pray, Love, An Uncommon Reader). Jan Karon's books are some of my favorite comfort reads too.

But I was especially glad to read your review of A Year of Magical Thinking. I picked this up about a year ago and read 40 pages or so, but was just overwhelmed by the emotion. I've been meaning to get back to it, and your review has pushed me along.

14tututhefirst
Dez. 4, 2008, 11:39 pm

Hi Porch reader...I assure you that while the Year of Magical Thinking can be emotionally intense at times, the wonderful way in which she goes about pulling back from that is very affirming. I have been surprised by some of the people I've spoken with who read it, particularly younger people, all of whom have nothing but positive reactions to it. It is definitely a 5 star book, and I hope you will give it another chance.

15TheTortoise
Dez. 5, 2008, 6:24 am

>10 Fourpawz2: FP, Don't write off The Uncommon Reader it is a fun book - not great admittedly and we won't banish you from the Common Reader's Group if you don't read it! It is a novella which can be read in an hour or two - clever, witty, has some great quotes in it - see my review.

16tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 1:20 am

Yes definitely read Uncommon Reader TT is correct in describing it as a short fun read.

29. I just finished The Diving Bell and the Butterfly an exquisite little volume I missed completely in the late 90's when it was published. I just unpacked it from our many boxes of as yet unopened treasures, and could not wait. While short (just over 100 pages) it is moving, emotional, and uplifting. A tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. I couldn't help wondering how much Bauby would have been able to be helped by all the new technology allowing ALS patients to benefit from brain-wave technology. Ah...we'll never know, but we will always have his beautiful memoir of how to be positive in the most dire of circumstances.

30. Also finished listening to Suite Francaise on my drive to the gym last night. I really enjoyed this book. While I am very familiar with WWII history, my knowledge has been concentrated on the German, Italian, American and Japanese sides of the story. I was aware of, but had not focused on the French dilemma of having to live as an occupied country. The book focuses on several families who had diverse interactions with the Germans and differing degrees of impoverishment (mental, physical, and philosophical) as a result of the occupation. I found the story easy to follow, the characters well drawn, and the narration in the audio book was superb. 4 stars!.

17alcottacre
Dez. 6, 2008, 1:42 am

#16 tututhefirst: I had not heard of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but it looks like something I would like, so on to Continent TBR it goes.

As far as Suite Francaise goes, I read it earlier this year and enjoyed it very much. Other works of Nemirovsky are being published as well, so I am going to track them down, too. It is unfortunate that she did not survive the war - another example of talent wasted.

18Fourpawz2
Dez. 6, 2008, 5:25 pm

O.K., TT and tutu, I Trust you guys. I'll put it on the list.

19digifish_books
Dez. 7, 2008, 4:08 am

>17 alcottacre: I look forward to seeing how you like Nemirovsky's other works, Stasia. I have sampled a few from my local library recently, incl. Fire in the Blood, Le Bal and Snow in Autumn. For me, Suite Francaise is her best work.

20digifish_books
Dez. 7, 2008, 4:15 am

>3 tututhefirst: I enjoyed The Uncommon Reader too, tututhefirst. I listened to an audiobook version read by Alan Bennett. I also borrowed People of the Book on audio but just couldn't get into it due to the reader's accent styles. I should probably try it in printed form one day....

21alcottacre
Dez. 7, 2008, 4:46 am

#20 digifish: I recommend People of the Book and hope the narrator did not spoil it for you completely (I always hate it when I do not like the narrator of the audiobooks). I think Brooks' book will be worth the effort for you.

22tututhefirst
Dez. 7, 2008, 10:50 am

Yes #20 & 21, glad to hear I wasn't the only one turned off by the narrator...we have had quite a lively discussion about the narrator's ability to make or break an audio book over on the Audio books group (sorry don't know how to link.)

23digifish_books
Dez. 7, 2008, 5:31 pm

>22 tututhefirst: Indeed! As soon I had sampled the 'Hogan's Heroes' type accents for myself I promptly removed the CD from the player and took the whole thing back to the library! It was way too phony! :D

24tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 12:30 am

31.Whole Truth David Baldacci
32.Worst Hard Time Timoty Egan - see my review
33.700 Sundays Billy Crystal
34 Don't Know Much about History Kenneth Davis
35.Friar and the Cipher Lawrence Goldstone - see my review
36.Tales from the Rhapsody Home John Gould
37.R is for Ricochet Sue Grafton
38. T is for Trespass Sue Grafton

Had these all done, reviews and all, and closed the browser before I hit submit. Can anyone recommend a good book on sepuku???

25tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 12:48 am

39. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. I'm not a big football fan, but I grew up with an Italian speaking family. I've been to Italy several times, and I LOVE Italian food. I laughed and laughed with this one, which I read while I was quite ill. It certainly made me feel better.

40. Constant Princess and 41. Boleyn Inheritance both by Philippa Gregory. These were great reads. The author certainly researches the period, and gives us enough detail to take us right into the period, without drowning us in minutiae. I have not seen any of her work done into movies, mostly because I'm sure I'll be disappointed. The books are SO good.

42. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Not at all what I expected it to be. I don't know if I would have picked it had I known it was about the circus. But it was fascinating, the plot was tight, the characters were very believable. Highly recommended.

43.Man in the Middle Brian Haig. A very tightly drawn suspense thriller. Lots of unexpected twists, good characters that you want to like and like to hate, and you never can figure out who's a good guy and who's the enemy. There's also a well-developed female heroine inspite of the title. The story is set in today's milieu of torture, rendition, Homeland Security, all the right buzz words. The author makes it work tho in a great plot. Very timely (Let's pray not for too much longer!)

26tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 12:53 am

44. Third Angel by Alice Hoffman.
45. Comfort Food Kate Jacobs.
46. Friday Night Knitting Club Kate Jacobs.
47. Children of Men P.D. James
48. Careless in Red Elizabeth George
49. Mermaid's Chair Sue Monk Kidd
50. Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd

Reviews to be posted later...it's late and I'm trying to finish listing what I've read so i can bake cookies with a clear conscience tomorrow or later today?

27tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 1:04 am

51. Bootlegger's Daughter Margaret Maron.
52. Eats, Shoots, and Leaves Lynne Truss
53.Remember ME? Sophie Kinsella
54. The Good Husband on Zebra Drive Alexander McCall Smith.
55. Senator's Wife Sue Miller
56.What Happened Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception Scott McClellan
57. Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts Richard Peck
58. Still Life Louise Penny
59.Three cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time Greg Mortensen.
60.Julie and Julia:365 days,524 recipes Julie Powell

Reviews to be posted later...it's late and I'm trying to finish listing what I've read so i can bake cookies with a clear conscience tomorrow or later today?

28tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 1:13 am

62.The Water's Lovely Ruth Rendell
63. When you Are engulfed in Flames David Sedaris
64.Olive Kitteridge Elizabeth Strout
65.Innocent Traitor Alison Weir
66. The Bush Tragedy Jacob Weisberg
67. Best Defense Barbara Wilhelm

Reviews to be posted later...it's late and I'm trying to finish listing what I've read so i can bake cookies with a clear conscience tomorrow or later today?

29tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 10, 2008, 11:40 pm

Only 8 more to go....2 ERS are in progress, 2 others will get 'read' as audio books while I bake, and I certainly have four others sitting around that will round out the year. Looks like I'll just about make it in time to start the 999 challenge and the 75 in 2009. I had some others I sorta read but never finished....they just didn't do enough for me to spend anymore time on. If I missed something on any of these and should go back, please chime in. some that come to mind include:

1. Murder Past Due D.R. Meredith....just couldn't get into the characters or the plot
2.Mary of Nazareth Marek Halter. I have read others by the author that I thoroughly enjoyed, but this wasn't my Mary and I couldn't get past that.

30Prop2gether
Dez. 9, 2008, 2:00 pm

Some fabulous reading in there--hope the baking went as well. I put three books aside this past weekend to make 3 cakes, 2 loaves of bread, and a batch of bourbon balls. I think I was more productive because I was trying to get back to my reading!

31ronincats
Dez. 9, 2008, 4:16 pm

Oooh, do you have a good recipe for bourbon balls, Prop? I'll be doing my baking this weekend, miniloaves of date bread for the staff at my two schools and the DO, and would love to do some bourbon balls, but have never made them.

32Prop2gether
Dez. 9, 2008, 4:51 pm

Yes, I do. It was my great-grandmother's and it's still a hit! I'll post it on your profile or send it by email--your choice.

33TrishNYC
Bearbeitet: Dez. 9, 2008, 5:03 pm

Yeah, another Hamish MacBeth fan. Don't you just love those stories. I love the ways in which Beaton makes the Scottish Highlands sound so interesting. I swear between the TV Show Monarch of the Glen and the Beaton books, I so want to visit Scotland.

I also see that you read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. I saw the movie and it was so sad and depressing. I can not even begin to understand the desire to live that must have seized Mr. Bauby. I guess its one of those things in life when you realize how fragile life is and you want to hang on. Though the concept is depressing, its still a story that fills you with a certain kind of hope.

I also liked The Constant Princess. I have always liked Katherine of Aragorn and though this book is one of the most inaccurate of all of Gregory's book, I did like it.

Anyway, welcome to the group and I hope you health is better now.

Porchreader---There's already a 75 book challenge 2009 group?

34TadAD
Dez. 9, 2008, 5:39 pm

I stopped reading the Hamish MacBeth books somewhere around #12 or #13. I'm not sure why...perhaps I just felt they were so short for the cost. However, I did enjoy them. Perhaps I'll try to find the rest in the library.

I had never heard of Monarch of the Glen and came across one by accident early this year. I ended up watching them all in a frenzy of Glenbogle-dom. I'm sorry they ended.

35ronincats
Dez. 9, 2008, 5:54 pm

Please post the recipe on my profile page--less likely to gt buried there than in my in box. thanks!!

36tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 15, 2008, 11:29 pm


Well, the bourbon balls are brewing, and the persimmon cookies are done. We've been trying to hang wreaths but the wind and snow have not been cooperating.

68. In the Land of Invisible Women an ER I got in an electronic download. See my full review but want to say this was really an interesting, well-written book. I can't wait til it comes out in hardback--I found the electronic format a bit limiting. I'm sure if it had been on a playaway or a kindle, or some other portable device it would have been ok. I didn't have any trouble reading it (although I could have done with a much lighter watermark thru each page), but I found myself feeling chained to the computer since that was the only place it could be read. If I hadn't had the luxury of a laptop, I would probably not have finished it.

69. Life on Wheels, the A to Z Guide to Living Fully with Mobility Issues by Gary Karp. This month's ER. Again, I'll do a review. This was not what I thought it would be. It is well written, and encyclopedic in its coverage, but I was looking for something to deal with people who had a range of mobility issues and this work is definitely written with the wheelchair bound as an audience. A great reference, it belongs in any decent sized public, social service, and medical library.

37tututhefirst
Dez. 10, 2008, 11:46 pm

I've got two audio books going right now, and a delightful Elizabeth Gilbert. I've decided when those are finished to read Dickens Christmas Carol and a couple other Christmas stories to finish out the year. But must get the baking done, and presents wrapped and mailed. wasn't too organized --should have shopped early and taken gifts when we went home for Thanksgiving, but I refuse to Do Christmas before December 1st.

38tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 13, 2008, 3:31 pm

We escaped the big ice storm here in our little cove--only lost power for about an hour.

70. Last night I finished listening to my first Elizabeth Peter's book Crocodile on the Sandbank. I had previously tried reading these books but just never could get into them. However, I was induced by someone in the Audio Books group to try listening to Barbara Rosenblatt's reading of one of them. And I am Hooked. This was the first one of several in the series. I'm sure I'll be reading more of these.

71. Camel Club by David Baldacci.
72. The Collectors by David Baldacci.

Off to make some more cookies.

39alcottacre
Dez. 13, 2008, 12:11 am

#38: It's funny that you mention Barbara Rosenblat. She is also the reason I got hooked on audiobooks. I picked up the second in the Peters' series at my (then) local library and could not get enough. I kept picking up the box to make sure it was really only one narrator. I now own all of the books in the series in audio form!

40tututhefirst
Dez. 14, 2008, 10:44 pm

73. I was just catching up on some threads and realized that I had left a few out. One that I thoroughly enjoyed was Sweet Potato Queens Big Ass Cookbook and Financial Planner. Any woman who can combine cooking and spending gets my vote!

74. 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith. I am addicted to AMcS--his characters are so real at the same time they are so odd. I really don't think I know anyone like any of the people in this series, but I still find them all believable and likeable (some more than others!).

Only one more to go. Since I have three really good ones going at the same time (one in the car, one in my pocket while I continue to bake cookies) and one hard copy for just plain sitting and propping up my feet, I will meet the 2008 challenge. Can't wait for 2009.

41alcottacre
Dez. 14, 2008, 11:56 pm

Let me be the first to congratulate you on making the goal, even if I am a tad bit early. Good going! And like you, I cannot wait for 2009. It is going to be a great year!

42cal8769
Dez. 15, 2008, 9:05 am

*holds breath in anticipation*

43drneutron
Dez. 15, 2008, 9:12 am

Maybe it's premature, but probably not....Congrats!

44tututhefirst
Bearbeitet: Dez. 15, 2008, 11:28 pm

WOOHOO she pants in self-congratulation I'm over the edge!!




Still actually have 3 that are each over 1/2 done, and three more christmas volumes I want to read, but MUST MUST MUST get packages wrapped and in the mail so only audio reading is going to get done for the next few days. I really want to read Stories behind the Best-loved songs of Christmas but choir practice for midnight Mass is taking up so much time these next ten days, that reading about the songs will not happen until Christmas afternoon in front of the fire.

Anyway, here are a few more I completely forgot to list. At some point in the spring, (again during the 'not feeling like the biggest flake in the snow ball' period) I got onto James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series and got thru the first four before they started to get boring.

75. 1st to Die
76. 2nd Chance
77. 3rd Degree
78. 4th of July

While I like Lindsey Boxer, I much prefer Kinsey Milhone in the Sue Grafton series, and just really love J.P Beaumont in the J.A. Jance books....will always be pouncing on the latest of those. My husband is a great Tony Hillerman fan, but I've never been able to get into those.

45cal8769
Dez. 16, 2008, 6:47 am



Congrats!

46XenaBallerina
Dez. 16, 2008, 7:40 am

Congratulations!

You do realise that you have now contributed to the enormous growth of my Amazon wishlist!

47FAMeulstee
Dez. 16, 2008, 1:28 pm

Tina, congratulations on reaching *75* too!

48ronincats
Dez. 16, 2008, 2:00 pm

Congratulations on making the goal!

49tututhefirst
Dez. 16, 2008, 3:17 pm

Xena....you realize you all made MY wishlist grow much bigger.(I'm a traitor tho...I keep mine on Alibris 'cause they give me 3% of purchases towards my granddaughter's Upromise account)

And thanks to LT, I am no longer so trepidatious about 'social networking.'

Now I just have to post
79. Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert. I LOVED this book. Being from Maine, and living in the town that calls itself the lobster capital of Maine, and having lobstermen as my closest neighbors, I found this book not only well written with exceptional characters, but the story is believableand progresses at a good pace. It is deep, but not cumbersome and I really liked the ending. It also helped solved the dilemma of what the B's are having for Christmas dinner--lobstah of course. Highly recommended if you want good story, and a taste of Maine.

50Whisper1
Dez. 16, 2008, 10:24 pm

tututhefirst
Welcome! I'm sorry for the delay in reading your posts.
WOW! You have quite an amazing list of books!

I'm particularly interested in The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. and thus will read this in 2009. I've also added your book #5 to my tbr pile.

I'll take more time later to read your posts in a more in depth fashion, but for now, I wanted to say I think you will be a wonderful addition to our humorous, well read and curious group.

I am sorry to learn of your loss of your father to cancer. Approximately seven years ago, I lost my beloved grandmother to kidney cancer. It was a difficult journey, but I am ever so blessed to have walked it with her to the very end.

51Whisper1
Dez. 16, 2008, 10:32 pm

Hello again.
I saw Billy Crystal's book at Barnes and Noble today. I almost bought it. Did you like 700 Sundays?

52alcottacre
Dez. 17, 2008, 4:54 am

#49: I will have to look for Stern Men by Gilbert. I read both Eat, Pray, Love and The Last American Man by her this year and liked them. Thanks for the recommendation!

53tututhefirst
Dez. 23, 2008, 7:35 pm

80. Off Season finished this while driving to a family funeral from Maine to Baltimore. I normally like Anne Rivers Siddons and thought that because this is set in Georgetown D.C. (where my daughter went to school) and near where we lived in No. Virginia and in coastal Maine where we live now, that I would really like it. And I did...........until the end. I won't spoil it for people BUT ....the ending was not what I expected, nor one which I found believable. I'll be interested to see what others thought.

I think this will shut down my 2008 challenge. I'll be too busy and too distracted to read anymore for this year, and will count anything else toward my 999 and 2009 challenges since I know they won't get finished until then.

I've enjoyed this group so much, and look forward to another year of great suggestions and comments.

54alcottacre
Dez. 25, 2008, 6:19 am

I am sorry to hear about the death in your family, tututhefirst. I do hope that in spite of the circumstances you have a good holiday.