Happy New Year!

This year, Christmas (or post Christmas I should say) turned out to be very stressful. Instead of focusing on the negative, I am going to make a list of my blessings to wrap up this year:

- loving (if sometimes irritating) husband who puts up with me
- loving, supportive family
- great friends
- always had lots to read.
- always had a little extra cash to buy yarn to knit
- was never hungry
- own our own business
- have a job that is very satisfying and fulfilling
- spent almost 2 whole weeks with MIL
- both DH and I have jobs
- have very affectionate dog who misses me terribly when I’m gone (which thank goodness isn’t often)
- finally being able to afford a reliable car this year
- we are both still fairly young and relatively healthy
- have a warm, safe place to live

And most of all we are blessed to be looking forward to a bright and positive and productive and happy and loving 2009. And we wish the same for you. Happy New Year!

Review: of Tell No One

Title: Tell No One

Author: Harlan Coben

Date Finished: December 29, 2008

Personal Book Count: 79 out of 100

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: Suspense

First Line: There should have been a dark whisper in the wind.

Summery: Dr. David Beck is getting emails from his wife who died 8 years ago. Now the police have re-opened her murder case, and decided he did it.

Why did I pick this book? : This one was a gift from my librarything.com Christmas exchange pal.

Review: I really liked that it kept moving, and was always hard to put down, even when I only picked it up for a “couple quick pages”. While I was finishing it up last night, there were a couple of times I realized that I wasn’t breathing. ;) Lots of different layers to the story, and interesting things happening simultaneously. Believable, down to earth, funny characters. I have never read this author before, but it is love at first read. (ETA- DH just returned from used bookstore with 4 more Cobens for me. I think he may be a keeper ;) )

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

What's in a Name? Reading Challenge.

Yes, I know, I found ANOTHER one. I think this one will fit nicely with my others though...

The Challenge: Choose one book from each of the following categories.

1. A book with a "profession" in its title. Examples might include: The Book Thief, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Historian

2. A book with a "time of day" in its title. Examples might include: Twilight, Four Past Midnight, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

3. A book with a "relative" in its title. Examples might include: Eight Cousins, My Father's Dragon, The Daughter of Time

4. A book with a "body part" in its title. Examples might include: The Bluest Eye, Bag of Bones, The Heart of Darkness

5. A book with a "building" in its title. Examples might include: Uncle Tom's Cabin, Little House on the Prairie, The Looming Tower

6. A book with a "medical condition" in its title. Examples might include: Insomnia, Coma, The Plague

To join us, click the title or HERE.

1. The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

2. Twilight- Stephanie Meyer

3. Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka

4. Hot Blooded- Lisa Jackson

5. The Last Chance Cafe- Linda Lael Miller

6. Darkfever- Karen Marie Moning

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

Title: The Last Summer (of You & Me)

Author: Ann Brashares

Date Finished: December 24, 2008

Personal Book Count: 78 out of 100

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

First Line: Annie waited for Paul on the ferry dock.

Summery: The relationship between 2 sisters and a neighbor boy from the beach side summer homes. Covers a period of a little over a year, with the 3 of them now adults in their early 20’s. Don’t want to tell too much more, for fear of letting something slip!

Why did I pick this book? : I remember it being very largely hyped when it was released, and I had really enjoyed The Sister’s of the Travelling Pants series.

Review: Although it is very different from The Sister’s of the Travelling Pants I still really enjoyed this book. It was a nice light, easy read. And despite the fact I predicted where the story was going; I still really enjoyed the ride. I found Alice (who I always want to call Annie?) really easy to relate to. Paul’s motivations were a bit harder to follow, but as long as you could hold on for the ride, it was fine. A nice beach read to take me out of the yucky snowy, cold weather.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

Christmas re-cap...

This year Christmas has been lovely. And never ending…

-Went for traditional Chinese food dinner with FIL and step-MIL on Wednesday the 17th, as they were going out of town.
-MIL arrived on the 20th and we all went for lunch, and to SIL’s for coffee.
-DH went out for lunch with his family on the 23rd.
-25 was a wonderful day spent with my family in the morning, and DH’s mom, sister and brother in law for the rest. Gifts were exchanged, food was eaten (we had goose! What a treat, and oh so yummy. And ham. And lots of other wonderful things. And chocolate. And cookies. And many MORE wonderful things. I felt like all I did was eat for 16 hours straight! ;D), and laughter was shared. It was a great day.
-yesterday was quiet, and the only boxing day shopping we did was Chapters (books).
-today is a stay-in-and-play day
-tomorrow we are going with my family for dim sum. Only had it once, but it was good. Looking forward to trying it with a large group (more stuff and different stuff). Yum!
-Monday we are taking my MIL to Build a Bear. It’s kind of a tradition. She lives in the states, and when we are together and there is a BaB around, we go make one together. It started when we got married; she took me and my sister in law to build one…
-sister in laws birthday. Going out to dinner (OK not really Christmas, but still busy and adds to the festivities)
- new years eve. Joint party at SIL and BIL’s house. For birthday and new year.
-then we should be clear to sit around the house and relax until Monday when DH and I go back to work.

Never this busy, even at this time of year. But I’m not complaining. It’s been fulfilling and fun. =D

I have been doing some knitting. I finished my mobi-ass basket, now I just have to felt it. Also, I have been picking away at a pair of toe-up socks, made following Wendy’s Pattern. I see the appeal, but I can’t see myself making every pair of socks this way. I like it as an alternative though. Still working on the never-ending blanket. I think it’s just about time to take a break and weave some ends in. Also, because my last one was such a flop, I have been working on another Calorimetry. So far, it seems to be working so well.

Got some books for Christmas. Some from others, some from myself. :P
From my Santa thing pal, I got Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, and Tell No One by Harlen Coben. (scroll down for post) I’m already half way through Tell No One, and can’t get enough. From my MIL I got Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and yesterday DH and I went to Chapters, and I splurged on Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn, Death Perception by Victoria Laurie and No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay.

I am a pretty avid movie watcher too. Mostly we rent from Zip.ca or watch what we have, but lately we haven’t been buying as many, especially kids. So you know what I got for Christmas? Cars, Prince Caspian andShrek the Third. If I’m every home for an evening, it’s gonna be a great one! :)

Family was very good to me this Christmas. On top of the things I have already listed, I got a set of Rachael Ray pots, a bunch of new clothes (ALWAYS needed) and some jewellery (a pair of earrings, two necklaces, one that glows (for fun) and one pretty one, and a bracelet), also the obligatory stocking stuffers of toiletries, chocolate and the like.

So, did you have a good holiday? Who did you spend it with? What did you eat? Was there something special you gave or received?

Gossamyr by Michele Hauf

DH has generously stepped in today, and offed to be a guest blogger on another one of his latest reads, so I can get a little post Christmas stuff done...



Plot Synopsis: This is the tale of Gossamyr, the half-faery daughter of the King of a tribe of Faeries. She must travel to the mortal world to save all of Faery (the name of the plane) from the danger of the Red Lady, who is luring faeries in Paris and draining them of there essences to keep herself enchanted. Gossamyr travels the mortal world with her human companion Ulrich and must face magical dangers as well as warring soldiers. The greatest danger, though, may be to her heart.

Opinion: This is the second novel by Michele Hauf set in a fantastic version of 1400s France. The story itself starts out very strong. We are introduced to Gossamyr and her father Shinn, a seemingly cold and slightly cruel faery king. We learn the danger to Faery, the Red Lady. A faery banished to the mortal world who has managed to keep her enchantment (faeries lose their enchantment if they stay to long in the mortal world, especially more urban places) by stealing the essences (souls) of recently arrived faeries. Each time she steals one of these essences a revenant (a viscous, skeletal faery) returns to Faery and runs amuck until it is destroyed or kills a faerie stealing its essence and thereby creating a new revenant. Gossamyr is selected for the task as both a woman and only half-faery she should be immune to the Red Ladies powers.


The ending is manic and exciting. Definitely, things end on an up note. The only disappointment here is the brief cameo for Dominic San Juste. Dominic is a fantastic character from Seraphim and I won’t go into a lot detail here on that, but his brief appearance here is just a tease because he is a tool to bridge the two stories, but one that doesn’t stand on its own. If you don’t know Seraphim, the character is a throw away and not really needed. If you do know Seraphim you’ll be disappointed at his use. Still besides a couple of small annoyances and a slightly weak middle this is a great story I would recommend.

Guest review done by Blair. =D

You Are Dependable and Trustworthy

You approach the holidays with drive and determination. You're usually the one who does all of the organizing and work. You love being in charge of Christmas dinner, decorating the tree, and picking out presents. You know that everything will be perfect, as long as you're the one behind the wheel. Of all the types, you're the most likely to search far and wide to find the best deal on the gifts you give. You're also the most likely to have a very detailed system for how you wrap and label presents.

The Wrapping Paper Test

Very funny. If you know me, you know this hits the mark pretty closely. Take the test, it's quick and a lot of fun. Then come back and tell me, who are you? =D

Our Santathing books are here! (DH and I both did it). That was much faster then I thought, and my Santa did so good.

Santa brought me Tell No One but Harlan Coben, and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.



TTW is one that I had looked at a lot, and always thought I should read, but never got around to it. I wanted to, and with the movie coming out (or is it already?), I kept telling myself I should get to it soon. Now I have no excuses. :)

TNO is one that looks like it will keep me up at night (in the good way. (or maybe BOTH ways lol)). I love a good scary/suspenseful read sometimes. I don’t know why I have never tried Coben, but the description on the back of this one looks great, and I can’t wait!

I am very thankful for the long-weekend coming up, as I will be spending it in bed reading. =D

Title: School for Husbands

Author: Wendy Holden

Date Finished: December 21, 2008

Personal Book Count: 77 out of 100

Rating: 3 out of 5

First Line: Sophie twisted around. Relief flooded through her. People had turned up.

Summery:

Sophie’s not happy with her husband. Mark works late, never phones and leaves all the housework and childcare to her. She’s also sure he’s up to something with his sexy publishing colleague. Things come to a head and she moves back to her parents. Her mother never liked Mark anyway.

Desperate to save his marriage, Mark enrolls at the ‘School for Husbands’, a residential college which transforms pathetic partners into husbands for heaven. Classes include love skills, sparkling conversation and the finer points of chocolate. But will this be enough to reunite him with Sophie? Especially now a rich old flame is after her…

Why did I pick this book? : The description on the back sounded cute, and it looked all new and shiny on the shelf, and called ‘take me home…’.

Review: This one took me a couple of tried to get into. And when I got half way through, I had to set it aside for some library books. It was an amusing, original story, with a lot of “English-isms” through out. I believe (but I could be wrong in this, if anyone knows for sure, please tell me) that the is a more Americanized version out there. Same plot, but different names, etc. I thought it was a pleasant way to pass the time between books, but I think my next Holden will be a library book.

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

Santa Baby Review

Title: Santa Baby

Author: Lisa Jackson, Elaine Coffman, Kylie Adams, and Lisa Plumley

Date Finished: December 20, 2008

Personal Book Count: 76 out of 100 (um, guess I’m not making 100 this year…)

Rating: 3.5/5

Genre/ Subject: Romance

Summery: In the first story Katie and Jack are forced together to look after his baby cousin while the babies parents try and make it home for the holidays.

In the second Colby posses as a gigolo and escorts Audra home for Christmas.

In the third Holly and her 7 kids move in next door to Stanley and proceed to drive him nuts.

In the fourth Annie finds a baby on her door step in the middle of a winter storm, and takes her in. The babies’ father (Liam) who has been falsely accused of a couple crimes shows up for the child, and refuses to leave without her. Annie refuses to let her go.

Why did I pick this book? : I found it at the thrift store, and I like the title, it was seasonal, and I wanted to try these new (to me) authors.

Review: I have to say, that I liked 3 out of 4 of these, even though they we very different. I had a lot of trouble with the one where the single mom moves in next to the psychiatrist. I didn’t buy the characters, and the way they got together in the end made if feel forced. Over all it was good light reading that passed the time quickly and pleasantly.

I have reviewed a couple holiday read that I have enjoyed this year. Please te me, what are yours?

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

Sorcerer Review by Guest Blogger Blair

DH has stepped in today to be a guest blogger, and write a review. The book he chose is The Sorcerer, Vol. 1: The Fort at River's Bend by Jack Whyte. I am pleased he did, as this is not the type of book I read, or would review, I feel it will add something to Lissa's Long Yarn.




The Sorcerer volume 1: The Fort at River’s Bend by Jack Whyte

Plot Synopsis: Caius Merlyn Britanicus, must leave Camulod to protect and educate his young cousin Arthur. He leaves Camulod in the care of his brother Ambrose and travels north along the coast with his most trusted advisers and friends to Ravenglass. There he encounters Derek the man who killed Arthur’s father and mother and must seek sanctuary. Merlyn is able to secure use of a fort high in the mountains. Over the next five years he sets about training Arthur in some of the skills he will require to become High King.

Opinion: While I love the story and the writing is amazing I am beginning to get bogged down in the shear length of it. This is technically the fifth book in series it is the sixth I have read (Uther happens contemporaneously with Eagles Brood.) What makes this so monumental is that almost every detail and character in each of the 500+ page books is or will be important, to the point where one begins to read a lot into everything. Of course this really is my only complaint on the whole series. The style of a first person narrator, in this case Merlyn makes the story very immediate and interesting. The time period and location also draw me in deeply. In this book we get to see a very different Merlyn. Mostly removed from the duties of Camulod and dealing with the very real need to keep his and Arthur’s identities secret, Merlyn adopts the guise of Cay. Cay is meant to be a simple wandering farmer with a young ward. Of course Merlyn is no farmer and any visitor to the fort with half a brain can see that every one defers to Merlyn.

The book begins with the arrival of Merlyn and his party in Ravenglass. This part drags a bit as initially Derek refuses to give Merlyn sanctuary (but the reader knows he will eventually relent.) He does and we move on to the Fort from the title. It is a real life place (part of the interest for me) that sits high in a mountain pass. The fort is refurbished and made livable again in time for winter. The bathhouse becomes an important location in the fort (the Roman obsession with bathhouses.) Many vital discussions happen here. We get a great deal of development on Arthur in this book as well. We see the development of Arthur’s sense of justice and military tactics, often baffling his elders. Also we discover Merlyn does not have leprosy and he finds a new love in Tressa.

Overall the book was very good, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the next in the series.

Series Challenge Season 3

The challenge starts December 1st, 2008 and goes until November 30th, 2009.

The rules are easy:
1) Pick a couple series you already started and now want to finish (meaning, you'll be all up to date with the series when it ends).
2) Read at least 4 books, more are also okay, of course!
3) Post your review of the books on your blog or in the comment section, no matter how long. If you post the review on your blog, please post a link to the review in the comment section so that everyone else can check out your review.
4) Have fun!

If you want to join click title or click HERE.

My series (I have listed the ones to read, not all the books in the series):

Lawrence Block

Burglar in the Library
Burglar in the Rye
Burglar on the Prowl

Diane Mott Davidson

Tough Cookie
Sticks and Scones
Chopping Spree
Double Shot
Dark Tort
Sweet Revenge
Fatally Flaky

Victoria Laurie

A Vision of Murder
Killer Insight
Death Perception

Scott Westerfeld

Specials
Extras

Tyler (various authors)

Courthouse Steps
Love Knot

JoAnna Carl

Chocolate Bridal Bash
Chocolate Jewel Case
Chocolate Snowman

Twilight- Stephenie Meyer

Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn


Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

RYOB 2009

The rules for this challenge are very simple…

* set a goal for how many of your OWN books you’d like to read in 2009
* read from your own collection between January 1st and December 31st, 2009

And, that’s basically it! You don’t have to create a list beforehand (’cause we all know that our reading preferences change as the year progresses), and you can even read books that come into your possession (that will be yours to keep) during the year!
Some other helpful hints…
- you CAN overlap with other challenges
- eBooks and Audiobooks count AS LONG AS they are from your own collection

To join click on title, or click HERE.

1. P.S. I Love You- Cecelia Ahern

2. Burglar in the Library- Lawrence Block

3. The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

4. Tough Cookie- Diane Mott Davidson

5. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret- Judy Blume

6. Dear Mr. Henshaw- Beverly Cleary

7. How I Write- Janet Evanovich

8. Die For You- Lisa Unger

9. The Chocolate Bridal Bash- JoAnna Carl

10. Hot Blooded- Lisa Jackson

11. Falling Awake- Jayne Ann Krentz

12. A Vision of Murder- Victoria Laurie

13. Twilight- Stephanie Meyer

14.The Time Traveler's Wife- Audrey Niffenegger

15. Ceremony in Death- J.D. Robb

16. Darkfever- Karen Marie Moning

17. Second Sight- Amanda Quick

18. Hot Ice- Nora Roberts

19. Dear John- Nicholas Sparks

20. Learning Curves- Gemma Townley

21. The Asking Price- Caroline Upcher

22. No Fixed Address- Aritha Van Herk

23. Join Me- Danny Wallace

24. Sugar Baby- Karen Young

25. Murder in White- Hugh Zachary

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

Guidelines for 2009 Young Adult Book Challenge
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

To join, click on title or click HERE.

1. Eclipse- Stephenie Meyer
2. Twilight- Stepehnie Meyer
3. For Money and Love- Todd Strasser
4. Wake- Lisa McMann
5. Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer
6. Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka
7. The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman
8. Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead
9. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks- E. Lockhart
10. Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
11. New Moon- Stephenie Meyer
12. The Chocolate War- Robert Cormier

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

2nds Challenge, 2009

2nds doesn't have to be a series book. It can be a book from an author you've just read one book from before. Here are the guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need to have a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 books by authors that you have only read once. It doesn't have to be a series.
3. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009. Don't start reading until January. 4. You may list your chosen books any time during the year. Change the list if needed.

If you want to join click the title, or click HERE.

1. New Moon- Stephenie Meyer
2. The 4 Day Diet- Ian K. Smith
3. I Shall Not Want- Julia Spencer-Fleming
4. The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman
5. Knit Two- Kate Jacobs
6. Fade- Lisa McMann
7. Bridal Jitters- Jayne Castle
8. I Know this Much is True- Wally Lamb
9. Pride, Prejudice and Jasmine Field- Melissa Nathan
10. To Tame a Highland Warrior- Karen Marie Moning
11. The Dark Room- Minette Walters
12. Hold Tight- Harlan Coben
or Devil's Corner- Lisa Scottoline
or False Premises- Leslie Caine
or The Perfect Husband- Lisa Gardner
or Kiss the Girls- James Patterson
or Inkspell- Cornelia Funke
or Second Sight- Amanda Quick
or Bras and Broomsticks- Sarah Mlynowski
or Carrie Pilby- Caren Lissner
or Engaging Men- Linda Curnyn

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

The 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge

There will be three sizes of challenges.

** The first is to read 12 books from your local library in 2009.
** The second is to read 25 books from your local library in 2009.
** The third is to read 50 books from your local library in 2009.

You decide which one of the three challenges is best for you. Here are the guidelines:

1) You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.
2) This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.
3) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
4) Our goal is to read 12, 25, or 50 books checkout from our local library in 2009. Please decide which when you sign up and don’t change it.
5) These can be audios, downloads, children’s, YA. As long as it’s a book, format and target age group does not matter.
6) Feel free to post a link to your reviews HERE. That way, we can visit your blog and read your review.

To join in click on the link up top, or click HERE.

1. Names My Sisters Call Me- Megan Crane
2. Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
3. Plum Spooky- Janet Evanovich
4. New Moon- Stephenie Meyer
5. The Chocolate War- Robert Cormier
6. The Last Chance Cafe- Linda Lael Miller
7. Wake- Lisa McMann
8. Lost and Found- Carolyn Parkhurst
9. For Money and Love- Todd Strasser
10. Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka
11. Talk Me Down- Victoria Dahl
12. Hold Tight- Harlan Coben
13. The Writing Class- Jincy Willett
14. I Shall Not Want- Julia Spencer-Fleming
15. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks- E. Lockhart
16. Eclipse- Stephenie Meyer
17. Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead
18. Fire and Ice- Julie Garwood
19. Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer
20. Never Tell a Lie- Hallie Ephron
21. The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman
22. Knit Two- Kate Jacobs
23. Read My Lips- Teri Brown
24. Wicked Lovely- Melissa Marr
25. Fade- Lisa McMann

Romance Reading Challenge 2009

Here are the rules:

1. Now, "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

2. Choose at least 5 novels read them between Jan 1st though Dec 31st 2009. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

3. Read them at your own pace in 2009 then come here and post the link to your review(s).

If you want to join click on title or click HERE.

1. P.S. I Love You- Cecelia Ahern

2. The Last Chance Cafe- Linda Lael Miller

3. Talk Me Down- Victoria Dahl

4. Hot Blooded- Lisa Gardner

5. Fire and Ice- Julie Garwood

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

The Harlequin/Silhouette Romance Reading Challenge 2009

This challenge will begin on January 1, 2009 and run through December 31, 2009. The rules are a bit different this year, but not by much. Here are the rules...

All of the books have to be from either the Harlequin or Silhouette imprint. It doesn't matter which one. The challenge is...

1) Read 1 book with a holiday theme.
2) Read 1 book by an author you never read before.
3) Read 1 book with one of these words in the title - wedding, marriage, husband or wife
4) Read 1 book set in a place you've never been before.
5) Read 1 book with a body of water in the title (i.e. water, lake, river, island, etc.)

That's a total of 5 books for the year.A few additional things...

1) You can change books in the middle of the year, nothing is written in stone!
2) Books used in this challenge may be used in other challenges.
3) Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook.
4) Please sign up by commenting to this post.
5) Please come back and post your reviews as you read the books for the challenge.
6) Please link us to your blog using one of these buttons...There will be a prize at the end of the challenge. I don't know what it will be yet, but everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into the contest!

To join click on the title or click HERE.

1. A NASCAR Holiday- Raye, St. Claire and Web (Christmas)
2. Talk Me Down- Victoria Dahl (New Author)
3.
4. Courthouse Steps- Ginger Chambers (Wisconsin)
5.

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

2009 Chick Lit Challenge

Back by popular demand, the 2009 Chick Lit Challenge has been expanded for the whole year! From January 1 through December 31, 2009, read at least 10 chick lit books. Books can overlap with other challenges and you can change your list at any time.

To join click on title, or click HERE.

1. Bras and Broomsticks- Sarah Mlynowski
2. Twenties Girl- Sophie Kinsella
3. Burning the Map- Laura Caldwell
4. Carrie Pilby- Caren Lissner
5. Confessions of a Ex-Girlfriend- Lynda Curnyn
6. Crossing the Line- Lauren Bratz-Logsted
7. Diary of a Blues Goddess- Erica Orloff
8. Engaging Men- Lynda Curnyn
9. Fat Chance- Deborah Blumenthal
10.Girl Boy etc.- Michael Weinrab

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

A Christmas Carol- Charles Dickens

Title: A Christmas Carol

Author: Charles Dickens

Date Finished: December 17, 2008

Personal Book Count: 75/ 100

Rating: 4/5

Genre/ Subject: Classic/ Christmas

First Line: Marley was dead, to begin with.

Summery: Really? Do you need this? Old miser is visited by 3 spirits on Christmas eve, and it’s a life changing experience.

Why did I pick this book? : I picked this book, because I had never read any Dickens, and thought this was a good place to start. It was short, and a seasonal read.

Review: I liked it. I like the language. It made me slow down and appreciate it. I knew the story, but I was surprised at how much I didn’t know (mostly little things). It was what I would class as a comfort read. I don’t think I would read it every year (but I don’t tend to read books twice) but I will definitely be reading more Dickens.

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

New Author Challenge 2009

Here are the guidelines:

The challenge will run from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels, but anthologies are also a great way to try someone new.

I want this to be an easy challenge, so you state how many new authors you want to try this year and then that’s your challenge. For me, I’m trying another 50 new authors. If you want a number given to you, try for either 25 or 50.

Add your name to the Mr. Linky below. If you do not have your own blog, you can join the group blog here.

Bloggers or Non-Bloggers alike are welcome

When you read a new author, write your review (either at your site or the group blog) and then come back here and post a link to your review.

If you would like to join, click on the title of this post, or click HERE.

1. P.S. I Love You- Cecelia Ahern
2. The Alchemist- Pauto Coelho
3. Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
4. The Chocolate War- Robert Cormier
5. The Last Chance Cafe- Linda Lael Miller
6. Portobello- Ruth Rendell
7. Twilight- Stephanie Meyer
8. Wake- Lisa McMann
9. Lost and Found- Carolyn Parkhurst
10. For Money and Love- Todd Strasser
11. Sister Wife- Shelley Hrdlitschka
12. Talk Me Down- Victoria Dahl
13. The Writing Class- Jincy Willett
14. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks- E. Lockhart
15. Nothing But Trouble- Susan May Warren
16. Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead
17. How Sweet It Is- Alice J. Wisler
18. Never Tell a Lie- Hallie Ephron
19. Read My Lips- Teri Brown
20. Wicked Lovely- Melissa Marr
21. sTori Telling- Tori Spelling
22. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
23. Hot Blooded- Lisa Jackson
24. The Widows Of Eastwick- John Updike
25. Names My Sisters Call Me- Megan Crane


Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

A-Z reading challenge

Well, I did it. I signed up for my first reading challenge (I'm sure it won't be my last!) For my first I chose the A-Z reading challenge...

This year there are 5 different options to the challenge:

Option A: Read authors A to Z. Commit to reading 26 books theoretically speaking.

Option B: Read titles A to Z. Commit to reading 26 books theoretically speaking.

Option C: Read both authors A to Z and titles A to Z (52 books; this is the challenge Joy created)

Option D: Read internationally A to Z (books representing 26 different countries) (The books could be from international authors (writers from that country); however, it's fine if a book is only set in that country. If need be, instead of countries one could use cities, states, regions, etc. The idea is to use proper place names. If you'd like you could even use a few fictional countries.)

Option E: Read 26 Alphabet books. Embrace your inner child and go visit the children's section!

Sign ups begin December 1, 2008. (The challenge does NOT start until January 1, 2009, but early sign ups are definitely encouraged!) The challenge closes to new participants on June 30, 2009.

Click HERE to join us.

I chose option A (authors). Here is my list (which I will also post in the side bar as I go).

A- Ahern, Cecelia- P.S. I Love You

B- Block, Lawrence- The Burglar in the Library

C- Crane, Megan- Names My Sisters Call Me

D- Davidson, Diane Mott- Tough Cookie

E- Evanovich, Janet- Plum Spooky

F- Funke, Cornelia- Inkspell

G- Garwood, Julie- Fire and Ice

H- Hrdlitschka, Shelley- Sister Wife

I- Isaacs, Susan- Any Place I Hang My Hat

J- Jackson, Lisa- Hot Blooded

K- Kinsella, Sophie- Twenties Girl

L- Lockhart, E.- The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

M- Meyer, Stephenie- Twilight

N- Niffenegger, Audrey- The Time Traveler's Wife

O- Outland, Orland- Death Wore the Emperor's New Clothes

P- Parkhurst, Carolyn- Lost and Found

Q- Quick, Amanda- Second Sight

R- Rendell, Ruth- Portobello

S- Smith, Ian K.- The 4 Day Diet

T- Townley, Gemma- Learning Curves

U- Updike, John- The Widows of Eastwick

V- Van Herk, Aritha- No Fixed Address

W- Willett, Jincy- The Writing Class

X

Y- Young, Karen- Sugar Baby

Z- Zachary, Hugh- Murder in White

Choices are tentative and may be added to or changed at any time. =D

are you related to these people?

Anyone know who these people are? I found it in a book, and always wondered. What a treasure to lose…

What is the most interesting thing YOU have ever found in a book?

THE GREAT BOOK CHALLENGE DEBATE OF '09

Is 2009 going to be my year of the book challenge? With all the new book challenges popping up on the web, I have been thinking about signing up. I have never done a book challenge, other then challenging myself to read a certain number a year, which I have been doing for years now… I’m not sure if I want to dip my toe in with 1, or if I want to sign up for a bunch and hope I can make them overlap. The other thing is, is the learning curve greater on one way over the other? And would I enjoy it? Would it motivate me, or would it be another obligation?

These are the ones I’m debating joining:

Chick-lit challenge
Rescue book challenge
Harlequin/ Silhouette romance reading challenge
Support you local library
Seconds Challenge
Young adult challenge
A-Z challenge

Help?! Any advice, input or experience you have had, would be appreciated… =D

Most of my time lately has been taking up by baking, Christmas cleaning, shopping
(the grocery, kind, not the gift kind, that is done), and of course, that little thing we all like to call work (who isn’t a bit crazier at Christmas? I’m starting to think THAT is the job I want…)

We had an incredible snow storm here on Sunday. Here are some pictures (after it stopped) from my front window (you didn't think I was going out there, did you? It was COLD).





One of the local supermarkets here gives you something free every week, if you spend a certain amount. Sometimes it’s a gift certificate, or free gas, or a tea shirt, or food. This weekend it was a turkey. This week was a big grocery week, so I ended up taking the turkey home. Sounds great right? Except I have never cooked a turkey. In fact, I have had one in my deepfreeze for a few years (to DH’s annoyance) that I have never cooked. So then I had 2. (what, like I was gonna leave free food behind?) so I made a deal with my mom, that she would take the larger of the 2 (the 2 of us probably couldn’t have eaten it anyway) and then have us for dinner sometime. Problem was the snow had started, and I didn’t want to drive as far as her house. So we met in the parking lot of a liquor store. I wondered what people who were watch were thinking? Anyhow, it all ended well, and I think all parties involved are now happy.

Met my friend for ‘lunch’ the other day. Well, she was on her lunch break. I had bought some popcorn from her son. I like to support the scouts, but it really isn’t about the popcorn for me (in face, half the time we forget to eat it.) It’s more about making a donation, and supporting a friend, as well as an organization I believe in. She laughed at me, cause I had to ask how much I owed her, followed quickly so what did I get?

I have been doing much knitting these day (sanity saver, sure I’ll be doing MUCH more over Christmas break). I have a pair of socks I started over (Canadian) Thanksgiving, a Branching Out I can’t tell you how many YEARS I have been working on it (seems this knitty was published spring '05, you do the math). I have a blanket that is a long term project, which I work on a bit every couple months, and a amigurumi turtle for DH, and my first attempt at shadow knitting a dish cloth. Those are just the projects on my coffee table, not the ones in my basket, or my spare room, or on my projects- in- progress shelf.

Going through my stuff, I discovered how much of a slacker I REALLY am (are? is? be?). I found 3 projects that I have knit, but never felted. I am afraid that I will have to work on those after Christmas. Might be a good way to hide from family? Hide in the laundry room? Ha ha

I have about 4 Christmas themed books on the bed stand, waiting to be read. And the problem is, I keep looking at the shelf and seeing more. Wanna place bets as to if I actually get to them on time?

Cheap gas prices. I love it!

http://www.bzzagent.com//p/2689555565/melifour

Yes, it's a bzzagent thing...D

Author: John Green

Date Finished: December 8, 2008

Personal Book Count: 74/100

Rating: 3 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: YA

First Line: The way I figure it, everyone gets a miracle.

Summery: From dust jacket- Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelmanfrom afar so when she cracks open and window and climbs back into his life- dressed like a ninja and summoning him for a n ingenious campaign of revenge- he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, had now become a mystery, but Q soon leans that there are clues- and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew.

Why did I pick this book? : I think I saw reviews for this one on a book blog.

Review: I like that the action started right away (on page 5). I like that there were enough clues to keep the mystery moving forward. I like that there were enough other story lines to keep the mystery from getting boring. I like that the relationships seemed ‘real’ in the way they called each other on their crap, and it wasn’t all “la-di-da, let’s through everything else out the window, regardless of the consequences, cause it’s a book about a mystery, so that is all that is important.” With that said, I wasn’t a big fan of the ending. It was true to the story, and couldn’t have ended any other way (in my opinion), but somehow it felt unfinished. Like either there wasn’t quite enough, or maybe there was just a little too much. I know that is confusing if you haven’t read it, and I can’t tell any more without spoilers, but does anyone else who has read the book agree? I would be VERY interested in your thoughts.


Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

Not like it should be a surprise, but twitter is a super big time suck (in a good way). This weekend I lost reading time, I lost baking time (a little), and now I’m losing blogging time. I love it! =D

I spent the weekend, reading Paper Towns by John Green. I’m surprised that I am not getting bored of the mystery part of it, although the whining from Q cause his friends aren’t as into this adventure as he is, is starting to get a bit old. I do admit I spoiled it a bit for myself, as I think I know where it’s going. There is an Author’s Note in the back (note to self: do you THINK there is a reason why it’s in the back?) and I read it. But still, I’m enjoying the journey, even if I know the destination. It’s taking longer to read then I would expect a YA novel to take me, but I am blaming the time of year.

I also have a confession to make. As well-read of a person I consider myself (most of the time) I have never read Dickens. When a good friend of mine scolded me a couple months back, I decided it was time. I decided what better way to start, then with A Christmas Carol. It is seasonally appropriate, and what I would call bite-sized-Dickens, at about 100 pages. So far I am enjoying it, and as I get used to the language it is flowing smoothly. (There were a few parts I had to reread, but I attribute that to the fact I was reading at lunch hour in a busy fast-food joint.)

Also, on and off when I have a minute throughout the day, I have been reading The Writer magazine. DH and I took a writing class a couple months ago, and the instructor recommended it. So far, I mostly like it, and I find it interesting, but there are bits that aren’t necessarily applicable to me (non-fiction, novels, (I have done a novel (unedited, never mind published) but I find myself preferring short stories these days)), but I find that I can still skim for the bits that I can take to apply to me. I may even look into getting a subscription in the New Year.

I find myself brain dead in the evenings lately. All I wanna do is read, knit, and stare and the pretty box with the moving pictures. I have increased my Zip for the month of December. I figure I can shorten my list, and catch up some. There were months this year we were lucky to watch ONE movie. And DH goes back to school in January, so I see our movie time drastically reduced again. I’m going to take advantage of it as much as I can, while I can.

Is everyone else experiencing this exhausted-ness, and the end of the day right now? Between the Christmas rush, baking, decorating, planning, shopping, Christmas cards, and regular house work, and Christmas cleaning, I am finding this Christmas really stressful, for the first time. (well, except for last year, when I cancelled Christmas all together. (Don’t feel too sad, I was out-voted)). Maybe it’s a sign I’m getting older?

P.S. I’m hoping to reload my camera software and upload some pics tonight. Hopefully this will be the end of boring, picture-less posts.

wow, I'm not even sure how to react. I feel everything from wanting to shake my head, to wanting to cry to the need to bang my head against a wall...

http://www.newrochelletalk.com/?q=node/288

Yikes! When did it get away from me? I knew I had a lot of books to read*, and I knew the number was increasing, not decreasing. Tonight I made the mistake of counting. Do you know how many books to be read I have in my office alone? 648 (approximately). And that is not my wish list; those are just the ones HERE**. I guess I know what I’m doing over Christmas… and if you are having trouble finding me, either my nose is in a book, or I am trapped under a pile of books that fell on me… ;)

*these are not the books I have for the business, that I would sell, these are my own personal collection.

**yes, I know, I should be reading not blogging, but I had to share...

I can't be the first on to have found twitter. If you all are out there, let me know. I would love to follow you along! I can be added using krissa22@yahoo.com.

Title: Losing It- And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time

Author: Valerie Bertinelli

Date Finished: December 4, 2008

Personal Book Count: 73/100

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: autobiography

First Line: Some people measure depression by the medication they take or the number of time per week they see a therapist.

Summery: Her life from when and why she started to take acting classes, to One Day at a Time to her marriage to Eddie Van Halen through their marriage and all her made for TV movies, to Touched by an Angel her divorce and her spokes person job for Jenny Craig.

Why did I pick this book? : I saw her on a couple of talk shows and was interested.

Review: I always liked her bubbly personality, and she always seems like such a kind and friendly person. It was interesting to read the good, the bad, and the ugly. There were many things about her life that I could relate to. But also, there was enough of that start factor, that is totally different from how I could ever imagine living, and kept me turning the pages. She writes as I would imagine her speaking to me, and it is easy and even comfortable read. You could almost see your self sitting at her kitchen table and having a cup of coffee and becoming friends. You find yourself empathizing with her and cheering her on (you go girl!). And all the people she works with and the names she talks about… every night when DH came home I was saying “Did you know she dated…” or “did you know she knew...” I’m gonna make you read it, if you wanna find out who :P
Defiantly worth the read.

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

I don’t usually discuss politics. Truth be, told I’m not that in to politics.

I am against a coalition. How is that democratic?

I’m not so big on the idea of, what do they call it? Suspending parliament either. Waste of time and money. On the other hand, if it gives some time for cooler heads to prevail, OK.

ETA- just read that PM Harper got his wish to suspend until the new year. It will be interesting to see what happens from here.

Re-vote? Um, no. Why should we waste the time and money? Ya know what? There are a little over 33 million people in Canada. Everyone already had they say. We voted. We chose. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are 308 seats in parliament. I know they are elected to represent us, but you know what? I’m not of the belief that 308 people should over turn the decision made by the rest of Canada 2 months ago (I know there are reasons that a non-confidence vote should be applied, and it has it’s place in our democratic process. I just don’t believe this is it.) And yes, I can see the other side. I just don’t agree with it.

Or like DH said last night after the news. The reason Dion’s speech was late last night, is they had trouble getting the tape in. Do we really want this guy making major decisions, when he can’t get his speech organised and in on time?

And the worst part about all this? We look like absolute fools, to the rest of the world.

OK, rant over. But, I guess that’s what blogs are for ;)

I’ll be back later (or tomorrow), with a book review, after I let this go. Until then, I’m going to read, relax and try and think happy thoughts.

And no picture, cause I’m being a grump :P

I have been going through bloglines lately. I’m sorting through ones that don’t get published anymore, ones that no longer hold my interest, on ones I simply no longer have time to read. Then they get the old axe. The problem is my list seems to be getting longer, and not shorter. Why is it that?

Sorry, I guess I’m not as organised as I like to think, so no photos yet. Another lolcat anyone?



moar funny pictures

Ok, so still here, and still stressed. Had to buy a new mixer on the weekend, mine blew up. Had to return new computer, as it blew up. Now I am starting from scratch. Again.

And it is 14 degrees, which is great (especially for December) and I have a headache to beat all. My SIL’s giant bunny died yesterday. A friend I met on the internet (at least I considered her a friend) died last week. Oh, and to add insult to injury a friend of mine has randomly decided not to be my friend anymore. Whatever. I am trying to focus on the positive. Things could be a lot worse. Right? They can always be worse.

So if I’m a bit random and sporadic these days, you know why.

And in the spirit of being positive, and counting my blessings, here is my reading list from November. I am still able read, afford to read, and allowed to read, and get great enjoyment out of it.

Babyface by Fiona Gibson- 4/5
No Holding Back by Liz Allison and Wendy Etherington- 4/5
Valiant by Holly Black- 3/5
So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson- 4/5
Serenity: Better Days (graphic Novel) by Joss Whedon- 4/5
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett- 3.5/5
All Mortal Flesh by Julia Spencer-Fleming- 4.5/5
Some Like it Hot-Buttered by Jeffrey Cohen- 4/5

Not a bad number. Not my best, but certainly not my worst either. And it seem to have a nice variety. Chick-lit, mystery, teen, sci-fantasy, romance, non-fiction and even a graphic novel. One of the more well-rounded months I had in a long time.

So, as once again I have no pictures to share, I think I’ll leave you with an LOL cat. And why not? They make me smile…



moar funny pictures