Happy New Year!

Happy 2011!  I'm planning to do so much better with my blogging throught this new year, but first, I must speak of the old... 

I'm not going to review any books read in 2010 that haven't already been reviewed.  But it would be a shame to let one of my favorite (and possibly the favorite) new-to-me read of 2010 go unmentioned.  I figure now's the time. I loved The Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  This first came out, I think in 2008.  But I heard about it earlier this year and I'm so glad I not only thought it sounded interesting, but actually followed through on my ever common "I'll have to check that out." 

Now that was by no means the only good book I read this year.  I've found myself enjoying the work of several new-to-me authors.

Anyway, Happy New Year!!!

Challenges

It's that time of year. Challenges are cropping up everywhere. I have mixed reactions. Part guilt because I pretty much gave up on all 2010 challenges I had signed up for. And excitement, because they look so fun!

I'm pretty sure I'll be participating in the 2011 E-Book Challenge. I got a Sony Reader for Christmas last year, and haven't used it for the last several months. I wouldn't want my parents to think I don't really appreciate it. So that challenge will be perfect. And of course I'm going to want to participate in one or two genre challenges (mystery, paranormal, urban fanatasy, etc.). But I'm going to pick lower levels this time - even if I think I can do more.

And, to start things off right, I think I'm going to make a new Challenges page. If I make it right at the start, maybe I won't be overwhelmed trying to catch up.

Read-a-Thon

I'm going to (try to) participate in the read-a-thon (held @ Dewey's Read-a-Thon ... sign up here) for the first time. I don't know how well I'll do since I'm a newbie. That is, I'm not really sure what I'm doing. I also had several reviews I wanted to complete before participating and that definitely isn't happening. However it ends up working, I'm giving it a go.

I'm in CT, so I think I start at 7am. Not sure I can make myself get up then (I tend to stay up late) so I may be off to a slow start. (And I don't think the full 24 hours is happening bc I need some sleep to make it through Sunday day.)  As for the books I'm hoping to read...

I need to read the LOTR books, and this is the perfect time. For whenever I need a change of pace, I'd like to read Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet (but first I'd have to dig it out from where my books are now being stored at my brother's place... not sure if that'll happen), any books I can get to (most are packed) for any of the challenges I'm participating in, and/or any of the library books I still have out. The nephew and niece are going on a day trip w/ my sister, brother-in-law, mother, and brother. If they come by the house afterwards, maybe I'll read with them some too.

Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010

What I don't need is another challenge. But this sounds fun, so here goes....

I will be participating in the Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010.  This is being hosted by Bunnitaz @ Worth Reading It?

The deets:

Read (and list - along w/ finish dates) at least 5 books that fit Hogwarts classes. Each book read wins 1 point toward the house cup. Any Harry Potter books read win 25 points toward the house cup.

The classes include: Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, Astronomy, History of Magic, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies. There are guidelines to what books fit what classes, of course.

There are prizes (available to those with blogs or who participate through Shelfari or Facebook), and mini-challenges.

This challenge runs from March 8, 2010 to December 13, 2010. If you're interested, check it out...

My House:

Get Sorted By The Hogwarts Sorting Hat!

My List:

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Airs Beneath the Moon :: Toby Bishop (Louise Marley) - Novermber 28, 2010 (Flying horses! And not only that, but a special school where the students learn to care for them.)

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Secondhand Spirits :: Juliet Blackwell (Julie Goodson-Lawes) - October 9, 2010 (It's the first in the Witchcraft Mystery series ... about a witch, and magic, of course)

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols

Nefertiti :: Michelle Moran - October 1, 2010 (Nefertiti = Egypt = Pyramids)

Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc

The Telltale Turtle :: Joyce & Jim Lavene - September 7, 2010 (A pet psychic, but a psychic nonetheless)

Historical Mystery Reading Challenge

A.F. Heart @ Mysteries and My Musings is hosting another challenge. This time it's for Historical Mysteries. Of course, I how could I pass this?

The deets:

This reading challenge runs March 1 - June 30 2010

Suspense, amateur sleuth or police procedures and the entire menagerie under the mystery genre are all available for the challenge.

In three (3) months read five (5) historical mysteries.

You can sign up here.

My part in this challenge:

I won't be choosing my books in advance; however, some potential choices include:

The Musketeer's Apprentice (Musketeers Mystery, Bk 3) by Sarah D'Almeida
A Death in Gascony (Musketeers Mystery, Bk 4) by Sarah D'Almeida
The Titanic Murders ("Disaster" Mystery, Bk 1) by Max Allan Collins
The Jewel of the North (Jack London Mystery, Bk 1) by Peter King
The Dumb Shall Sing (Mystery of Colonial Times, Bk 1) by Stephen Lewis
Bertie and the Tinman (Victorian Mystery / Prince of Wales, Bk 1) by Peter Lovesey
etc.

I'll try to review all of those I read for this, but no guarantees.

I will post here as I complete books read for this challenge.

I've read:
The Queen's Gambit (Leonardo da Vinci Mystery, Bk 1) by Diane A. S. Stuckart
Hey There (You with the Gun in Your Hand) (Rat Pack Mystery, Bk 3) by Robert J. Randisi
Finished Off (Bellhaven House Mystery, Bk 2) by Rebecca Kent

Lord of the Rings Readalong

I just discovered this Lord of the Rings Readalong, and I am so excited! I've been meaning to read these books for years and have never even started.

Here are the deets:

Starting January 1, 2010, we’ll be reading one book from the series (including The Hobbit) each month with a goal of finishing all four books in April. We’ll be taking turns hosting the readalong, so you can follow our intrepid fellowship of readers around the blogosphere. Here’s where you’ll find us each month:

January: The Hobbit at A Striped Armchair

February: The Fellowship of the Ring at The Literary Omnivore

March: The Two Towers here at Shelf Love

April: The Return of the King at Just Add Books

Because of my late start, I seriosuly doubt I'll finish The Hobbit in January. But I'm looking forward to reading it along w/ the other three books. Plus, I may watch the movies as I read the books.

Here's hoping this is the motivation I needed...

2010 Paranormal Reading Challenge

I just discovered this year long (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010) challenge hosted by Wings (Storywings). I was hoping to participate in some paranormal challenge, and this one looks fun.

If you're interested in checking it out or signing up, the rules, etc. can be found here.

To find reviews for this challenge or the wrap-up page, visit here.

There are 6 levels of books to be read for this challenge. I plan to do the level, i.e. 50 books.

So far, for this challenge, I have read...

January

1. shiver by Maggie Stiefvater [Werewolves]
2. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater [Faeries]
3. Wake by Lisa McMann [Dreamwalker/Psychic Abilities]
4. Tempted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast [Vampires]
5. Wings by Aprilynne Pike [Faeries]
6. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney [Ghosts/Witches/Boggarts]
7. Wondrous Strange by Leslie Livingston [Faeries]
8. Fade by Lisa McMann [Dreamwalker/Pychic Abilities]

February

1. Evernight by Claudia Gray [Vampires]
2. ...

The 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

I knew I planned to participate in this challenge, but was procrastinating on actually writing this post. The problem is, I'm supposed to choose a level, and I have NO IDEA how many books is even slightly realistic. I don't want the goal to be unreachable, and I don't want it to be too easy.

Anyway, since I've already been reading YA books this year, the time has come... I am hesitantly going with the Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge level (75 YA books), and reserve the right to edit this post to the next highest level (Stepping It Up) should there be need by the end of July (at least I have a deadline).

If you're interested in signing up, visit this page.

If you'd like to read reviews of books read for this challenge, you can do so here.

If you'd like to know who has completed this challenge, that information can be found here.

My 2010 YA reads include:

1. shiver by Maggie Stiefvater [January]
2. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater [January]
3. Wake by Lisa McMann [January]
4. Tempted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast [January]
5. Wings by Aprilynne Pike [January]
6. Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation [January]
7. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney [January]
8. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston [January]
9. With a Single Spell by Lawrence Watt-Evans [January]
10. Fade by Lisa McMann [January]
11. Newsgirl by Liza Ketchum [February]
12. Evernight by Claudia Gray [February]
13. The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney [February]
14. The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney [February]

National Just Read More Novels Month 2010

Guess I'm participating in this year's National Just Read More Novels Month (held by Foma*). I hadn't heard of it before (thanks J. Kaye), but it sounds great.  The books have to be novels and can't be re-reads.  The first shouldn't be much of a problem, and the second will just take some restraint.

I can't begin to guess how many I'll get finished since classes start Monday, but I think I've got a decent start so far...

1. The Mournful Teddy by John J. Lamb
2. The False-Hearted Teddy by John J. Lamb
3. No Penalty for Love by Shellie Foltz
4. The Crafty Teddy by John J. Lamb
5. shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
6. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
7. Wake by Lisa McMann
8. The Clockwork Teddy by John J. Lamb
9. Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle
10. Tempted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
11. Wings by Aprilynne Pike
12. Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
13. Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben
14. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
15. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
16. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
17. Everybody Kills Somebody Sometime by Robert J. Randisi
18. With a Single Spell by Lawrence Watt-Evans
19. Fade by Lisa McMann

The 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

This is a year long (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010) challenge is hosted by J. Kaye (J. Kaye's Book Blog).

You can sign up here.

You can read reviews of books read for this challenge here.

You can see who has completed this challenge here.

I am joining the Super Size Me level (100+). I figure I'll definitely be able to handle this since children's books count. All I have to do is check out and read books to my nephew and niece. =P

Anyway, books read for this challenge...

1. No Penalty for Love by Shellie Foltz
2. Dumpy La Rue by Elizabeth Winthrop (Illustrated by Betsy Lewill)
3. Don't Make Me Laugh by James Stevenson
4. shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
6. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
7. Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle
8. Tempted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
9. Wings by Aprilynne Pike
10. Archie and the Pirates by Marc Rosenthal
11. My Cat, the Silliest Cat in the World by Gilles Bachelet
12. Castaway Cats by Author: Lisa Wheeler (Illustrated by Ponder Goembel)
13. Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss (Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke)
14. Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
15. Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben
16. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
17. Baby Dragon by Amy Ehrlich (Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand)
18. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
19. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
20. Everybody Kills Somebody Sometime by Robert J. Randisi
21. Fade by Lisa McMann
22. Newsgirl by Liza Ketchum
23. Evernight by Claudia Gray
24. Work Hard. Be Nice.: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America by Jay Matthews
25. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
26. The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
27. The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney
28. Busy Baby by Fiona Watt (Illustrated by Catherine-Anne MacKinnon)
29. What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas
30. A Child's Good Morning Book by Margaret Wise Brown (Illustrated by Karen Katz)
31. Luck be a Lady, Don't Die by Robert J. Randisi
32. Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
33. Dead Air by Mary Kennedy
34. Every Witch Way but Dead by Kim Harrison
35. A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison
36. Chester by Melanie Watt
37. Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats by Alyssa Satin (Illustrated by Joan Rankin)
38. Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier
39. Birthday Party Murder by Leslie Meier
40. Father's Day Murder by Leslie Meier
41. ...

Countdown 2010 Challenge

I've found another challenge I can't resist.  I first heard about this through Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf.  It's hosted by Michelle @ 1morechapter.com.

The rules are as follows:

1. The goal of this challenge is to read the number of books first published in a given year that corresponds to the last digit of each year in the 2000s — 10 books from 2010, 9 books from 2009, 8 books from 2008, etc. The total number of books required, therefore, is 55.
2. This challenge lasts from 9/9/09 through 10/10/10.
3. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and your lists may change at any time.
4. Sign up using Mr. Linky here.
5. Have fun reading!

So...

2010

1. Dead Air by Mary Kennedy
2. Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay
3. Town in a Blueberry Jam by B.B. Haywood
4. The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny by Simon R. Green
5. Ghouls Gone Wild by Victoria Laurie
6. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison
7. ...
8. ...
9. ...
10. ...

2009

1. Dream Warrior by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay
3. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper
4. Dead Write by Sheila Lowe
5. Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
6. Black Hills by Nora Roberts
7. Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
8. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
9. crazy beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2009 Extra:

• Dark Slayer by Christine Feehan
• Ruined by Paula Morris
• Hunted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
• Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof by Blaize Clement
• Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
• Bear-ology: Fascinating Bear Facts, Tales & Trivia by Sylvia Dolson
• The Secret Wedding by Jo Beverley
• Betrayals by Lili St. Crow
• No Penalty for Love by Shellie Foltz
• shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
• Tempted by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
• Wings by Aprilynne Pike
• Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
• Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
• Fade by Lisa McMann
• Newsgirl by Liza Ketchum
• Work Hard. Be Nice.: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America by Jay Matthews
• White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
• Blackwork by Monica Ferris
• Killer Cuts by Elaine Viets
• Just Another Judgement Day by Simon R. Green
• Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain
• Eggs Benedict Arnold by Laura Childs
• Fallen by Lauren Kate

2008

1. Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Vamps by Nancy A. Collins
4. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
5. Written in Blood by Sheila Lowe
6. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
7. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter (Read by Suzanne Toren)
8. Free Fall by Laura Anne Gilman

2008 Extra:

• Chosen by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
• Untamed by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
• Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle
• Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
• Wake by Lisa McMann
• The Clockwork Teddy by John J. Lamb
• The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
• Evernight by Claudia Gray
• The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis
• The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
• Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan

2007

1. Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. Marked by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
3. Betrayed by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
4. Burning Bridges by Laura Anne Gilman
5. The Duke's Proposal by Leslie LaFoy
6. The False-Hearted Teddy by John J. Lamb
7. The Crafty Teddy by John J. Lamb

2007 Extra:

• Real Vampires Don't Drink O-Neg by Tawny Taylor
• Luck Be a Lady, Don't Die by Robert J. Randisi
• For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
• TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY by Jay Asher

2006

1. the ride of our lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family by Mike Leonard (Read by Marc Cashman)
2. boys that bite by Mari Mancusi
3. Bring It On by Laura Anne Gilman
4. The Mournful Teddy by John J. Lamb
5. Everybody Kills Somebody Sometime by Robert J. Randisi
6. The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney

2006 Extra:

• Dancing in the Moonlight by RaeAnn Thayne
• A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison
• The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson

2005

1. The Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling
2. Curse the Dark by Laura Anne Gilman
3. The Good, The Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
4. The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
5. Every Witch Way But Dead by Kim Harrison

2005 Extra:

• Moon's Web by C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp

2004

1. Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman
2. Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich
3. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch (1st publsihed as The Spook's Apprentice) by Joseph Delaney
4. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

2004 Extra:

• Star Spangled Murder by Leslie Meier
• Hunter's Moon by C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp

2003

1. Exhile's Valor by Mercedes Lackey
2. Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs
3. Undressed by Stef Ann Holm

2003 Extra:

• Father's Day Murder by Leslie Meier

2002

1. Exhile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey
2. Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

2002 Extra:

• Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan
• Birthday Party Murder by Leslie Meier

2001

1. Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey

2001 Extra:

• The Scarletti Curse by Christine Feehan
• Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier