Eren0317

Lifetime Quilt #1 Completed!

2011-12-11T14:17:00.000-06:00

I finished my first quilt last night! Grandma M. would be so proud! I did everything but the actual quilting, not bad for my very first quilt, I'd say. This quilt is from an Intro to Quilting class from my LQS that I took last October(ish) so it's taken me way too long to finish this. I love the colors, it reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night.

I've got a jean quilt in the works and a red/white/black one going too. Just like my Grandma M., I can't work on just one thing at a time!

22. Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

2011-08-27T21:51:00.000-05:00

A really neat story, hope the movie does it justice. I don't know that I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it instead of listening to it. I liked the old and young versions of Jacob Jankowski's voice.
Listened to: 16AUG11-25AUG11
-A ~ Z Reading Challenge
-TBR Lite Reading Challenge
-New 2 You Author Reading Challenge
-Audio Book Reading Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

21. The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid

2011-08-27T21:46:00.000-05:00

I didn't enjoy the end of this book at all! It read as a conversation between two people in a foreign land, but with only one of the members speaking. It was interesting to see 9/11 from a different perspective. I guess I wasn't nearly as impressed with this book as many other people were. I like to read a book and either enjoy spending my time reading it, or at least learning something from it. I received neither from this one.
Finished: 13JUL11
-TBR Lite Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

20. Any Given Doomsday - Lori Handeland

2011-08-27T21:35:00.001-05:00

This was an ok read, but having read LKH, I'm kind of spoiled on the whole urban fantasy deal. The book moves very quickly and it did keep my interest, but it just seemed to be a re-run of other things I've read. I didn't like that fact that religion was a definite and not a belief, but that's my deal.
Read: 03JUL11-04JUL11
-TBR Lite Challenge
-Sexy Reading Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-ARC Reading Challenge
-Reading From My Shelves Project

19. Code Blue - Richard Mabry

2011-08-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

Read on Kindle, didn't really get interested in it right away. Mystery with a little romance.
Read: 10DEC10-02JUL11
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-E-Book Reading Challenge

18. First, Break All the Rules - Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman

2011-08-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

Not a bad book about managing. I need to read more management/leadership books. Taught me that America tends to promote people right out of what they are truly good at. The military does the same thing, in case anyone was wondering!
Read: 27MAY11-13JUN11
-A ~ Z Reading Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge

17. Afraid - Jack Kilborn

2011-08-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

This one is all about the gore! Descriptions of injuries to the survivors and the victims kept me on the edge of my seat. Non-stop action, things blowing up, houses on fire, people running from insane soldiers, yet trying to save their town. Nuts! I loved it!
Read: 17APR11-15MAY11
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-ARC Reading Challenge (because I got it from LibraryThing.com)
-Reading From My Shelves Project

16. Living Rich by Spending Smart: How to Get More of What You Really Want - Gregory Karp

2011-08-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

Read on Kindle, basically the same information you get from all of the other 'how to pay off your debt' books. It was a nice review.
Read: 17MAR11-24APR1
-New 2 You Author Challenge

-E-Book Challenge

15. Running Dark - Jamie Freveletti

2011-04-18T08:27:00.001-05:00

First, THANK YOU to William Morrow (Publisher) for sending me this book for free! I read and reviewed the first in the series when I recieved a free copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Second in her Emma Caldridge series and a wonderful read. Non-stop action, many players involved. Still don't know who the 'Vulture' is, so I hope that leaves things open enough for another in the series!
Finished: 16APR11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-TBR Lite Challenge
-ARC Challenge
-Reading From My Shelves Challenge

On supervising...

2011-04-03T18:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a post having nothing to do with my reading. I usually enjoy being a supervisor. I have great people under me, and they are usually wonderful to work with. They are good at their jobs, and understand and respect my expectations of them. Note to self - try your best to never supervise a friend if you can avoid it. Especially if you know that friend is not a great supervisee. I am stressing about one of my supervisees and the fact that they have a test due in June that they aren't ready to take. They've told me, and told me that they'll be ready to test the next month and yet, no test taken yet. This has been going on since December. No pressure, since there are very serious ramifications of failing this test twice. They are also in another course, which they currently see as more important than the test. ARGH! I have covered my bases by keeping my bosses in the loop on what's going on, but I still feel stressed about it. The ball is in the supervisee's court, they have to deal with the consequences at this point. I can only do so much to motivate and educate. The final choice is not mine. And do I REALLY want this next promotion? I see this supervisee thing as a true test of my own supervising abilities. Granted, I've really only been a supervisor for a little more than 2 years, and I supervise 2, soon to be 3 people. It shouldn't be that difficult, right? Why can't this one supervisee GET IT and get their crap together for themselves?

14. The Surgeon - Tess Gerritsen

2011-04-03T18:22:00.001-05:00

1st in the Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles series. I like the tv series so figured I'd go back to the original. It worked with the tv series 'Bones' so why not? It was a decent read, will look forward to the next in the series. I've had the paperback version for a few years, and finally got around to listening to it from the library.
Listened to: 3MAR11-3APR11
-TBR Lite Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-Reading From My Shelves Challenge

13. All the Pretty Girls - J. T. Ellison

2011-04-03T18:14:00.000-05:00

1st in the Taylor Jackson series, and it was REALLY good! I won a free copy of her most recent release "So Close the Hand of Death" thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I haven't gotten it in the mail yet, so I'm hoping to get through the series before I get it. Excellent first novel!
Read: 12MAR11-28MAR11
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

12. Money Girl's Smart Moves to Deal With Your Debt - Laura D. Adams

2011-04-03T18:05:00.000-05:00

Read via Kindle (free download). Didn't really learn anything I didn't know before, but it's always good to have some review of what you really SHOULD be doing with your money.
Read: 30DEC10-22MAR11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

11. Cerulean Sins - Laurell K. Hamilton

2011-04-03T17:59:00.000-05:00

11th in the series. This one was a little over the top with the sex, more like erotica.
Listened to: 25FEB11-22MAR11
-A ~ Z Challenges
-Sexy Reading Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

10. The Scarpetta Factor - Patricia Cornwell

2011-04-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

The 17th in the Kay Scarpetta series and her books are still disappointing me. They just seem so loose, and quickly written that I don't really enjoy reading them. I keep doing it to see if she makes a comeback! I started to read this one in book form, finally was able to push through and finish it via audio download from the library.
Listened to: 04FEB10-11MAR11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

9. Vision in White - Nora Roberts

2011-04-03T17:33:00.002-05:00

First in the Bride Quartet series. Classic Nora Roberts, always a happy ending!
Listened to: 28FEB11-10MAR11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Sexy Reading Challenge
-Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-Romance Reading Challenge

8. Blood Dreams - Kay Hooper

2011-04-03T16:59:00.000-05:00

First in the series, seemed a little slow.
Listened to: 25FEB11-6MAR11
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

7. Living Organized: Proven Steps for a Clutter-Free and Beautiful Home - Sandra Felton

2011-04-03T16:51:00.000-05:00

This just re-confirmed that I will never be a hoarder. The author refers to people as 'messies' or 'cleanies' and I fall much further into the 'cleanies' side of things. Read via my Kindle for free.
Read: 23APR10-27FEB11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-TBR Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

6. Narcissus In Chains - Laurell K. Hamilton

2011-04-03T16:46:00.000-05:00

Book 10 in the series. Not a bad read, still able to keep the story and characters interesting. Will keep reading the series.
Read: 26DEC10-27FEB11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Chunkster Challenge
-Sexy Reading Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

5. Girl Missing - Tess Gerritsen

2011-04-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

Previously known as 'Peggy Sue Got Murdered' and updated by the author.
Listened to: 21FEB11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

4. A Darkness More Than Night - Michael Connelly

2011-04-03T16:35:00.001-05:00

Listened to: 16FEB11-17FEB11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

3. The Bone Garden - Tess Gerritsen

2011-04-03T16:29:00.001-05:00

First read from this author. Alright, but I was hoping for a few more twists and turns. I hate knowing what happens in books before it happens.
Listened to: 12FEB11-14FEB11
-A ~ Z Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

2. Hangman's Daughter - Oliver Potzsch

2011-02-28T18:27:00.001-06:00

I read this via my Kindle, and it seemed like it took forever! I guess I was not as impressed with it as I thought I should have been. It was on sale on Kindle, and the hype for it made it sound really good. Guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. The writing was good, and the story was nice, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.
Read: 24JAN11-09FEB11
-A~Z Challenge
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

1. Angel's Flight - Michael Connelly

2011-02-28T18:03:00.000-06:00

Harry Bosch number 6, I do enjoy this series. Just enough to make me a little stressed for the main character, but he always gets out of it.
Listened to: 01JAN11-02JAN11
-A~Z Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

2010 Reading Challenges Year in Review

2011-01-01T14:16:00.004-06:00

Total Books Read in 2010: 41 (same as 2009)

Pending: Chunkster (ends 31JAN11)

Completed Challenges: 7
-Mystery Read-a-Thon (12/12 hours)
-Chill Baby, Chill: 6/6 (18FEB10)
-Support Your Local Library: 25/25 (15NOV10)
-Audio Book: 20/20 (31DEC10)
-TBR Lite: 6/6 (31DEC10)
-Read n Review: 41/41 (31DEC10)
-Out With a Bang Read-a-Thon: 3 (31DEC10)

Challenges Not Completed: 10
-Pages Read: 15,928/20,000
-A ~ Z: 15/26 (I'm doing this again in 2011)
-New Author: 12/15 (pretty sure I can make this in 2011)
-Awesome Author: 1/3 (probably completed this but didn't much pay attention)
-Reading From My Shelves Project: 5/20 (really need to do this in 2011!)
-Anita Blake: 9/19 (didn't realize how long her books were, and plan to finish this series anyway, challenge related or not)
-What's In a Name: 4/6 (won't do this one in 2011, I never seem to make it!)
-E-Book: 4/20 (pledge to carry my kindle with me more often in 2011)
-Finish That Series: 1/2 (finished the Amelia Peabody series, and planned to complete the Anita Blake series but again, didn't realize how long those books are)
-Pub 2010: 3/10 (too cheap to buy brand new books that I'll only read once, and won't read the newest book from an author til I've read the others in the series, will have to really consider not doing this one in 2011)

41. A Fistful of Diamonds - John B. Robinson

2011-01-01T13:31:00.003-06:00

ARC received from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in 2008! This was the second in the 'gemstone thriller' series and I haven't read the first one, which is highly unusual for me. The book was less than 200 pages, and the plot moved very quickly. Lots of gore, so not one for the easily grossed out! Probably will not go back and read the first one, or the next one in the series, it just didn't grab me.
Finished: 31DEC10
-New Author Challenge
-Reading From My Shelves Challenge
-TBR Lite Challenge (finished with this one!)
-Out With a Bang Read-a-Thon

40. Trunk Music - Michael Connelly

2010-12-31T21:45:00.003-06:00

Loved this one. Harry Bosch always seems to get himself into the worst possible scenarios and then find a way out. Amazing twists, and I am thankful that the author ties everything (as much as possible anyway) together in the end.
Read: 29DEC10 - 31DEC10
-What's in a Name Challenge (Music Term)
-Audio Book Challenge (finished it with this one!)
-Out With a Bang Read-a-Thon

39. The Last Coyote - Michael Connelly

2010-12-29T17:06:00.002-06:00

Fourth in the Harry Bosch series. I like that the narrator is the same, keeps the characters familiar. I listened to this via download from my local library-I love this feature! The mystery was a good one, didn't figure it out til the very end but had clues throughout so it kept me guessing. One more down to finish up the year!
Read: 27DEC10 - 29DEC10
-TBR Lite Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Out With a Bang Read-a-Thon

Out with a Bang Read-a-Thon (DEC 29-31)

2010-12-29T16:54:00.004-06:00

Found this last challenge of the year just now and am joining! See the original site here: http://thebookishtype.blogspot.com/2010/12/out-with-bang-readathon.html . There are prizes too...

38. Dark Pursuit - Brandilyn Collins

2010-12-29T14:30:00.002-06:00

Free book on my Kindle. Decent read, pretty good twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Don't remember any clues given though, I hate not getting any clues. You don't have any way of figuring out the end until it's given to you.
Read: 09DEC10 - 28DEC10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-New Author Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

37. A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters

2010-12-29T14:20:00.002-06:00

Not a continuing story in the series, but an historical one. I love listening to these books, the voices are so much fun.
Read: 09DEC10 - 26DEC10
-TBR Lite Challenge
-What's in a name Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge
-PUB Challenge

36. Obsidian Butterfly - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-29T14:16:00.002-06:00

Ninth in the series, won't finish the series during the 'Finish That Series Challenge' for the year, but I will continue and catch up on it.
Read: 09DEC10 - 23DEC10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

35. Bones to Ashes - Kathy Reichs

2010-12-29T14:13:00.001-06:00

Tenth in the series, only 3 left to catch up on this series.
Read: 06DEC10 - 14DEC10
-Reading From My Shelves Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

34. Blue Moon - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-29T14:12:00.001-06:00

Eigth in the series.
Read: 01NOV10 - 15NOV10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

33. The Apothecary's Daughter - Julie Klassen

2010-12-29T14:09:00.001-06:00

Read for free on my Kindle.
Read: 06FEB10 - 30SEP10
-New Author Challenge
-TBR Lite Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

32. Burnt Offerings - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-29T14:05:00.002-06:00

Seventh in the series.
Read: 05SEP10 - 19SEP10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

31. In the Dark - Mark Billingham

2010-12-29T14:01:00.002-06:00

Still love the Tom Thorne series, but this was a nice mention of him.
Read: 27MAY10 - 29AUG10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Reading From My Shelves Challenge
-TBR Lite Challenge
-Chunkster Challenge

30. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith

2010-12-29T13:50:00.002-06:00

Great read. Liked the twist on history, very believable...
Read: 17JUL10 - 12AUG10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-New Author Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-PUB Challenge

29. The Killing Dance - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-29T13:45:00.002-06:00

Sixth in the series.
Read: 28JUL10 - 01AUG10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

28. Running From the Devil - Jamie Freveletti

2010-12-28T20:00:00.003-06:00

Read: 12JUL10 - 28JUL10
-A ~ Z Reading Challenge
-New Author Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge

27. Bloody Bones - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-28T19:53:00.002-06:00

Fifth in the series, another great read.
Read: 17JUL10 - 25JUL10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Support Your Local Library
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

26. Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen

2010-12-28T19:46:00.002-06:00

My first 'Magic Realism' book of the year, maybe my first ever. Audio downloaded from the library. Not a bad listen. Will read her others if they become available at the library via download.
Read: 11JUL10 - 12JUL10
-New Author Challenge
-Support Your Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

25. The Lunatic Cafe - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-28T19:40:00.002-06:00

Fourth in the Anita Blake series, will be continuing the series.
Read 05JUL10 - 11JUL10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-What's in a Name
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

24. Circus of the Damned - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-05T20:41:00.002-06:00

Third in the Anita Blake series, will definitely be reading the rest.
Read 30JUN10 - 05JUL10
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

23. The Laughing Corpse - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-12-05T20:35:00.004-06:00

Book two in the series, really enjoying it.
Read 27JUN10 - 30JUN10
-Anita Blake Series Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

22. Break No Bones - Kathy Reichs

2010-12-05T20:20:00.005-06:00

Second in the Temperance Brennan series. Will continue with series, rather interesting.
Read 28MAY10 - 26JUN10
-Local Library Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

21. Guilty Pleasures - Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-09-05T21:08:00.002-05:00

First in her vampire hunter series. I tried to read this one, but gave in to the CD's once again so I could cross stitch and listen at the same time. I enjoy the CD's as there are sound effects in certain places, and I really like the narrator. Will be continuing the series. Read 28MAY10 - 2JUN10
-New Author Challenge
-TBR - Lite Challenge
-Awesome Author Challenge
-Anita Blake Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

20. Cross Bones - Kathy Reichs

2010-09-05T21:05:00.001-05:00

Not quite sure what it is about this series, but I really enjoy it. Read 13MAY10 - 25MAY10
-Reading From my Shelves Project

19. Murder Takes the Cake - Gayle Trent

2010-09-05T21:01:00.002-05:00

Read on my Kindle during my down time at 'Bagel Boy'. Took a while to read but it was ok. I could read more by this author, she had good characters and a fun plot. An easy read and glad I read it. Read 22JAN10 - 24MAY10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-New Author Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

18. A Great Deliverance - Elizabeth George

2010-09-05T20:55:00.002-05:00

I had really looked at reading this entire series, but after reading the first in the series, I won't be doing that. It wasn't a bad book by any means, just not as exciting as I'm used to. I own the paperback and just couldn't get into it, so I listened to it on CD. Read 21APR10 - 23MAY10
-Reading From My Shelves Project
-New Author Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

17. The Bone Thief - Jefferson Bass

2010-09-05T20:46:00.003-05:00

I look forward to each one of these books and read them far too fast when I get my hands on them! Bass keeps the events real and unpredictable, a welcome change from some other mystery series. Read 21APR10 - 12MAY10.
-Pub 2010 Challenge

15. Tomb of the Golden Bird - Elizabeth Peters

2010-09-05T20:20:00.002-05:00

Read 17APR10 - 19APR10
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

14. The Serpent on the Crown - Elizabeth Peters

2010-09-05T20:19:00.001-05:00

Read 8APR10 - 17APR10
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

13. Guardian of the Horizon - Elizabeth Peters

2010-09-05T20:15:00.002-05:00

Read 22MAR10 - 7APR10
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

12. Sizzle - Julie Garwood

2010-09-05T20:05:00.004-05:00

Read 2APR10 - 5APR10. I love her books! I just devour them.
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Local Library Challenge

16. Eye of the Red Tsar - Sam Eastland

2010-04-20T20:24:00.002-05:00

This book, I would read again. I rarely do that, but the twists and turns kept me guessing. Just when I really thought I had things figured out, a new bubble of information would rise to the surface and I'd have to rethink it all. I thought the author did a wonderful job of intertwining Pekkala's history with the present time of the book, it was all relative. You really have to pay attention with this one, I truly enjoyed it and am most definitely planning to read the next in the series.
-New Author Challenge

11. Born to Run - Christopher McDougal

2010-03-29T16:14:00.003-05:00

When I first started reading reviews of this book on my Kindle, I thought I'd try a sample and see what all the excitement was about. I soon purchased the rest of the book and kept reading. I am trying to get myself into running, and this book may have done it. It wasn't only a great read, it was a motivating read. I have been plagued with knee injuries and plantar fascitis for several years now, and this book helped me understand why! I need to learn how to run properly! If you are a runner or want to be a runner, I would strongly suggest you read this book. It has definitely changed my attitude toward running.
-New Author Challenge
-E-Book Reading Challenge

10. Blind Eye - Stuart MacBride

2010-03-28T20:45:00.002-05:00

I absolutely LOVE this author! The creativity of the crime scenes, and the vivid description of injuries makes me cringe! That's not too easy to do, and I enjoy every page of his books~can't wait for the next one!
-Local Library Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

9. Eat to Live - Joel Fuhrman

2010-03-28T20:41:00.002-05:00

This was the first diet/health book that I've really read all the way through. The author makes several valid points, and notes several studies to support his points. I am not yet willing to go vegan, but I am now paying much closer attention to the food that I am eating, and making an effort to eat more raw fruits/veggies.
-New Author Challenge

8. Children of the Storm - Elizabeth Peters

2010-03-28T20:39:00.001-05:00

Number 15 in the series.
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

7. The Golden One - Elizabeth Peters

2010-03-28T20:37:00.001-05:00

Number 14 in the series, still love them all.
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

6. Frames - Loren D. Estleman

2010-03-28T20:25:00.002-05:00

The first in the series, and YES, I actually read something out of order for once. Lucky for me, the second book explained just enough about this one that made me want to read this one, but didn't leave me behind by reading the second one first. Wow, did that even make sense? Anyway, these are quick reads, with a ton of movie history research done to put them together. I'm not much for classic movies, but I certainly appreciate them now.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge (COMPLETED)
-Local Library Challenge

5. Eleven On Top - Janet Evanovich

2010-03-28T20:19:00.002-05:00

What can you say about Stephanie Plum? The characters get better with each installment and the author never fails to make me laugh out loud while reading, or listening. Grandma Mazur is my favorite character of the series, with Ranger a close second.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge
-Local Library Challenge

4. Lord of the Silent - Elizabeth Peters

2010-03-28T20:14:00.002-05:00

This was book 13 in the series and I have enjoyed them all so far. I listen to them on CD in my vehicle and love the narrator: Barbara Rosenblat. She does a fantastic job with the voices and makes each character come alive.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge
-A ~ Z Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-What's in a Name Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge

3. Echo Burning - Lee Child

2010-03-28T20:09:00.002-05:00

Always exciting...definitely geared toward the male reader, but these are still fun books to read.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge
-A ~ Z Challenge

2. Flesh House - Stuart MacBride

2010-01-17T18:12:00.003-06:00

The fourth in the series and it just gets better! The crime scenes are incredibly vivid, better than CSI could ever do. The mystery comes together at the end, the 'Flesher' is identified, but a few loose ends are left, leaving more than enough room for several more books to clean everything up.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge
-A ~ Z Title Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Finish That Series Challenge
-Mystery Read-A-Thon Completed!

1. Bloodshot - Stuart MacBride

2010-01-17T18:04:00.002-06:00

This was number three in Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae series. I finished it on 11 January and am just now getting things posted. I am so horrible about that! Guess I'd rather be reading than writing about reading...Anyway, this installment was even better than the last. MacBride is getting more and more bold in his character development, and his descriptions of the crimes are more and more vivid. I love it and hope he keeps writing. Very similar to Mark Billingham's DI Thorne series, which is one of my favorites.
-Chill Baby, Chill Challenge
-A ~ Z Title Challenge
-Local Library Challenge

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:42:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh, a new year is upon us once again. Where did 2009 go? I signed up for all of these really great challenges and hardly finished any of them! I did manage to read 41 books though, so that is about 40 more than the average American reads. Guess that isn't too bad then. I have signed up for a ton more for 2010 and am really, really going to try to do better this year. I also finally joined the bandwagon and signed up on Facebook! My roommates are on it all of the time, and they love it, so I figured why not? Still trying to get all of the challenges that I've signed up for posted on the blog, so keep checking back to see what I've been reading and my (hopefully) stellar progress in the challenges.

Have a wonderful New Year!

41. Alone - Loren D. Estleman

2009-12-28T20:19:00.002-06:00

I received this as an ARC and am glad to have been introduced to this author! I have the first in the series on hold at our local library. Reading the second in the series first in this case didn't leave me wondering what happened in the first one, but it did get my interest up enough to want to read the first one. The research done for this book was amazing, and I didn't have the mystery solved before it was all wrapped up in the end. I love it when I don't figure it out before the author clues me in. All of the information was there, you just have to put it together! (Finished reading this one on Christmas night)
-New 2 You Author Challenge
-Pub '09 Challenge

Special Thank You!

2009-12-21T16:29:00.003-06:00

A very, very special THANK YOU to Minotaur Books for sending me a hardcover copy of Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain! I had received and reviewed a preview copy and I am very happy to have a full hardcover edition to add to my personal library. I am grateful to the publisher for sending me the preview copy, as I had not read any of her other books. I have now read the three installments of the trilogy, and am really hoping this will blossom into a series!

40. He Shall Thunder in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters

2009-12-21T16:25:00.003-06:00

This was number 12 in the series, and I am still very much interested. The characters are wonderful and the story always comes together. I always enjoy a happy ending!
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

39. Dying Light - Stuart MacBride

2009-12-13T14:47:00.003-06:00

The second in the series, and even better than the first.
-Local Library Challenge

38. 8th Confession - James Patterson

2009-11-27T19:50:00.002-06:00

Listened: 11/22/09 - 11/27/09
Finally caught up with this series. Boxer's character delivers every time, and Patterson / Paetro always add a little something extra...the Dr!
-Pub '09 Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

37. Austenland - Shannon Hale

2009-11-27T19:37:00.002-06:00

Listened: 11/16/09 - 11/22/09
I've heard about this one for a while but hadn't had a chance to get it read until now. I was very pleasantly surprised, and was certainly not expecting the ending.
-New 2 You Challenge
-Romance Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

36. A Falcon at the Portal - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T19:31:00.002-06:00

Listened: 10/31/09 - 11/18/09
Next in the series, and always fun to listen to in the car.
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

35. Monday Mourning - Kathy Reichs

2009-11-27T19:27:00.002-06:00

Read: 10/31/09 - 11/16/09
The next in the series and interesting as ever. I enjoy the specific descriptions of the crime scenes, and the fact that the stories are based on real cases. It is terrible that these things happen, but nice that we can learn from what is left behind.
-Didn't qualify for any challenges!

34. Fire and Ice - Julie Garwood

2009-11-27T19:24:00.001-06:00

Listened: 11/10/09 - 11/15/09
Another in the Buchanan series and always a great read! Can't wait for her next book to be released in December.
-Romance Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

33. Cold Granite - Stuart MacBride

2009-11-27T19:20:00.002-06:00

Read: 09/23/09 - 11/04/09
An interesting first novel in the series featuring 'Laz' McRae. I do enjoy police procedurals from other lands. Looking forward to the next in the series.
-New 2 You Challenge
-Local Library Challenge

32. The Ape Who Guards the Balance - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T19:18:00.001-06:00

Listened: 10/07/09 - 10/30/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

31. Evil at Heart - Chelsea Cain

2009-11-27T19:17:00.001-06:00

(ARC) Read: 09/08/09 - 10/18/09
-Pub '09 Challenge
-Trilogy Challenge

30. Seeing a Large Cat - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T19:15:00.001-06:00

Listened: 09/12/09 - 10/07/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

29. Bare Bones - Kathy Reichs

2009-11-27T19:13:00.001-06:00

Read: Sept/Oct 09
Next in the series, but didn't count for any challenges!

28. Sweetheart - Chelsea Cain

2009-11-27T19:11:00.001-06:00

Listened: 09/05/09 - 09/08/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Trilogy Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

27. Stiff - Mary Roach

2009-11-27T19:09:00.001-06:00

Read: 01/03/09 - 09/06/09
-New 2 You Challenge

26. Heartsick - Chelsea Cain

2009-11-27T19:06:00.002-06:00

Listened: 09/01/09 - 09/05/09
-New 2 You Challenge
-Local Library Challenge
-Trilogy Challenge
-What's in a Name Challenge (Medical Condition)
-Audio Book Challenge

25. UR - Stephen King

2009-11-27T19:03:00.001-06:00

Read on Kindle: 08/01/09 - 08/20/09
-Pub '09 Challenge
-E-Book Challenge

24. Concrete Blonde - Michael Connelly

2009-11-27T18:58:00.002-06:00

Listened: 01/23/09 - 08/20/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

23. Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T18:25:00.001-06:00

Listened: 07/13/09 - 07/20/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Challenge

22. Grave Secrets - Kathy Reichs

2009-11-27T18:24:00.001-06:00

Listened: 07/03/09 - 07/13/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

21. B is for Burglar - Sue Grafton

2009-11-27T18:22:00.001-06:00

Listened: 07/04/09 - 07/12/09
-Local Library Challenge
-What's in a Name Challenge (Profession)
-Audio Book Challenge

20. Ten Big Ones - Janet Evanovich

2009-11-27T18:20:00.001-06:00

Listened: 06/12/09 - 07/03/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

19. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield

2009-11-27T18:17:00.001-06:00

Read: 05/28/09 - 06/22/09
-New 2 You Challenge
-Local Library Challenge

18. The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T18:15:00.001-06:00

Listened: 05/28/09 - 06/11/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

17. Fatal Voyage - Kathy Reichs

2009-11-27T18:13:00.001-06:00

Listened: 05/04/09 - 05/26/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

16. Deadly Decisions - Kathy Reichs

2009-11-27T18:11:00.001-06:00

Listened: 04/05/09 - 05/15/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Book Challenge

15. Running Blind - Lee Child

2009-11-27T18:09:00.001-06:00

Read on Kindle: 04/04/09 - 04/22/09
-E-Book Challenge

14. To the Nines - Janet Evanovich

2009-11-27T18:07:00.001-06:00

Listened: 04/03/09 - 04/15/09
-Local Library Challenge
-Audio Challenge

13. The Last Camel Died at Noon - Elizabeth Peters

2009-11-27T18:05:00.003-06:00

Listened: 04/03/09 - 04/15/09
-Local Library Challenge
-What's in a Name Challenge (Time of Day)
-Audio Book Challenge

13. Bad Things - Michael Marshall

2009-11-27T18:01:00.002-06:00

(ARC) Read 04/08/09 - 04/05/09
-New 2 You Challenge
-Pub '09 Challenge

11. Tripwire - Lee Child

2009-11-27T17:49:00.001-06:00

Read on Kindle: 03/02/09 - 04/03/09
-E-Book Challenge