Challenge: 50 Books discussion

1. Beautiful Creatures

Decent YA read. Pretty impressive that it's a first effort by the authors.

2. Hush, Hush

2 thumbs up. Romantic, dark and dangerous in a brain candy kinda way.

3. The Girl Who Played with Fire

Wow! A gritty, complex and fast moving plot combined with unique and oddly lovable characters. Stieg Larsson is an amazing writer. It seemed like my life kept getting in the way of this page turner.

4. Shades of Grey: The Road to High Saffron

Like a wonderfully clever cross between 1984 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When's the second one coming out? :)

This year's off top a good start!

Faye wrote: "4. Shades of Grey: The Road to High Saffron

Like a wonderfully clever cross between 1984 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When's the second one coming..."

I've been looking forward to this one for awhile. It's great to see that it lives up to expectation! :)

5. The Gargoyle

A selective retrospective play by play of this reader's experience:

Pg 40: Okay, this is pretty schlocky. Care to throw some more "shocking" revelations at me? Hah! Don't bother; I'm on to you and you can't shock me. Was the Hollywood script writing machine enlisted to "write" this?

But... the sentence structures are reasonable and it seems well researched.

Pg 49: Yep, just as I expected more attempts to shock the reader. Too transparent, buddy! Why did I pick this book anyway?

Okay, let's read the Goodreads reviews. Oh, it's a first novel? Maybe that explains why he's been trying so hard. Oh, he got paid 1.5 million? That explains why it seems SO overproduced.

Page 200: This is a gooey mess of pure processed cheese.

I wonder what setting the the Hollywood script- machine needs to be set to for to produce the cliche-riddled super-rich sexy and mysterious Goth love character?

After this many pages, I've given this book a fair shake. The Goodreads ratings must be so high because all reasonable readers have long abandoned ship at this point. I'm halfway through. I'll keep reading so I can leave a fully informed review when I'm done.

Pg 301: These interjected fables are okay. And some stuff about Japan has been interesting.

Pg 379: No, no, no! This is bullshit. It's like a Hallmark movie with soft focus.

Skip to pg 395: Really? This self-indulgent delusion continues? I'm not reading this! Skip to page 410.

Pg 447: Really? That's the ending? I know you thought you were pulling my heartstrings here, but sorry, that's just lame. A predictable cop-out, actually.

Speed read through last 20 odd pages, skipping seemingly pointless paragraphs liberally.

Pg 468: Yes! It's over!

I have friends with this on their "to-read" list. I have to warn them: Don't bother!

6. The Summoning

This was pretty enjoyable. Kind of hard not to compare it to The Gargoyle since they are both sort of the same genre and I read them on the same weekend. Even though this was less well researched and obviously written for a teen audience, it was less insulting. I'll read the sequel.

7. The Awakening

When I said "I'll read the sequel" above, I didn't think it would be so soon.

The second book is better than the first. Solid characters and a plot that consistently moves forward at a pleasing pace.

My main objection to this book, and maybe each in the series, is that it has just enough of the story arch to stand on it's own. Both books are obviously a set up for the next and the reader doesn't for a minute imagine that situations will be actually resolved before the book is through. I'd rather the first book was edited a bit and the whole story, who knows how many volumes it will span, would be bound in one book.

8. The Hunger Games

This was an awesome page-turner!

If I was going to be critical and as it seems from above, I've been lately, I always find it annoying when the young heroine so clearly misinterprets things, such as the love interest's intentions. I guess in a way this book was bit predictable.

However, the story was very enjoyable and I really got swept up into it. Since I've read so much YA in the past year, I think I can truly say this is one of the best.

9. Catching Fire

Aarg! It's over and I don't want it to be. I could happily live in this book forever. Such a fast-paced, addictive, exciting story with the perfect set of layered political and personal conflicts and characters to cheer for.

I'm in danger of wishing away the next six months waiting for the 3rd book to come out in August.

10. The Long Goodbye

I loved the dialogue... it transported me to an old Hollywood era. This was satisfying like the movie LA Confidential. Grateful to know he has a number of other titles that I will fall back on in dry spells.

11. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

This is the ideal culmination of of the series, which I think may be the best I've ever read.

An adult series, it's gritty, complex and intelligent, without being difficult to read, (except some of the necessary scenes of violence are pretty rough.) It's a political criminal thriller with a host of original characters with believable motivations that cleverly and perfectly intersect each other. The backdrop to the story seems so authentic. Stieg Larsson was obviously a great liberal thinker, researcher and well experienced writer.

12. The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement

Hmm. Some of this stuff made we want to exclaim, "Yes! Finally" because it made so much sense, but some other aspects were a little tougher to wrap my brain around, given how ingrained the societal beliefs are that the book is speaking out against. Lot's of fodder for personal consideration and analyzing your parenting style, spouse, co-workers and kids. In all a thought-provoking and worthwhile read.

Some of the antidotes suggested (family values) and religious references examples were kind of a turn off, but I guess the antidote to sexy and exciting isn't more sexy and exciting.

I was also reading The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich at the same time, but never got to finish it since the wait list at the library doesn't enable renewals. (A good anecdote for the Narcism book...) They were an interesting contrast to each other, with the 4 Hour work week so obviously touted the an attractive self-centredness that the other is warning is ruining North American civilization.

13. God-Shaped Hole

The characters are likable, the writing ranges from melancholy poetic to hip and straightforward and the romance has depth, but
the front cover gives it away saying " When I was twelve, a fortune teller told me that my one true love would die young and leave me all alone." Unfortunately, you know before page one that the romance is doomed, and it goes on in a rueful retrospective, so in a way, pretty as it was, it seemed a little too linear to fully win my heart.

14. Shiver

Meh. It had potential, but I didn't really feel like it set itself apart from all the competition in this nearly saturated market of YA paranormal romance. While it was mostly written well enough this annoyed me:

- unbelievable, but easily written descriptions like keys "swinging" from the ignition of a car that's been parked and unoccupied for hours or a guy looking "sexy in sweats" (pants.) Just not buying it.

- speaking of "buying it," the love interests clearest affection is expressed through things purchased

- the easy excuses as to why avoiding a cold climate wasn't a plausible solution to the love interest's problem that he (spoiler?) turns into a wolf when it gets cold in the winter. It just seemed too pat. If it was me, I'd move south and live on a remote acreage/ Girly could go shopping for supplies in town. Money's not an issue, right? See point above...

- the potential 3rd wheel in the relationship, a wolf named Shelby, oddly disappeared from the story without further mention just as the opportunity arose for her character to add a much needed plot twist (even though I was groaning before-hand because I was anticipating it as a very true-to genre next-step in the formula plot twist

- and, well, the ending just seemed abrupt and unsatisfying.

15. Shutter Island

Wow! I wouldn't say this is my usual genre, but I was pretty impressed. I can see why they made this into a movie. The plot is tight and it's pretty much the perfect brain-twister. Shows you how fragile that line between sane and insane can feel.

16. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Hmm. Not bad, maybe even good.

17. Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon

Like others, I bought this in the Grand Canyon gift shop. Which, by the way, is an awesome trip for anyone's bucket list! I'm glad I bought if after the trip and it's an intriguing souvenir. It probably just wouldn't be the same if you haven't visited the canyon, though.

Faye wrote: "17. Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon

Like others, I bought this in the Grand Canyon gift shop. Which, by the way, is an awesome trip for anyone's bucket list! I'm glad I bought i..."

Is this about the couple that disappeared or fiction? I agree the Canyon is so worth the trip.

Donna wrote: "Faye wrote: "17. Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon

Like others, I bought this in the Grand Canyon gift shop. Which, by the way, is an awesome trip for anyone's bucket list! I'm ..."

This was actually written by a (former?) Ranger and a tour guide and it chronicles all the verifiable deaths that have taken place at the Canyon - falls from the top, dehydration, river rafting expeditions gone wrong, suicides, murders and a whole host of other accidents. Maybe sounds gruesome, but really hits home the need for respecting the power of nature and provides some interesting history.

18. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

Bishop's Lacey is one of the very best fictional settings I've ever enjoyed and Flavia is a charming and unlikely detective. However, I'm not leaving this book as enamored as I was with the first - maybe because I feel like Flavia's character was a little too forced in some aspects. Do we have a Dexter in the making?

I didn't see the ending coming up until the very last minute. Bradley's apparent knowledge of chemistry adds a unique flair to the book(s.)

Faye wrote: "Like others, I bought this in the Grand Canyon gift shop. Which, by the way, is an awesome trip for anyone's bucke..."

Those are the kind of stories I remind myself of everytime I have some overly ambitious idea, like hiking the Grand Canyon; an idea I get whenever I watch travel shows about the Canyon. I want to see those things you can't from the rim, but I know people younger than me & in much better shape who barely made it back to the top.

Donna wrote: "Faye wrote: "Like others, I bought this in the Grand Canyon gift shop. Which, by the way, is an awesome trip for anyone's bucke..."

Those are the kind of stories I remind myself of everytime I h..."

Well, actually, I'm a size 14 on a good day and a full time office worker so I was very nervous about the trip, but I hiked all the way down and all the way back up! It felt like such an accomplishment even though it didn't turn out to be as hard as I'd feared. I think the fact that we went in March helped, since it wasn't scorching hot yet. My family friend, a woman, that's 63 came with me and she did great, too. Some overly ambitious ideas turn out to be good ones :)

19. The Little Stranger

I stayed up late after my husband went to bed to finish reading this last night and I was on pins and needles about every bump in the night thereafter.

Haunting, reserved, spooky, original & classy. Tough to classify; easy to get sucked into. The house and the time period are as much of the story as the characters.

I'd say Sarah Waters is an excellent storyteller that does her research.

20. Love Walked In

21. Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements

An easy, quick read and one that is somewhat inspiring. (Hey, I went to the gym today!) I'm hoping over time it will prove even more inspiring as I fill out the daily surveys on the associated web-site. I'm actually looking to trying this out.

Most of the information/ facts did not seem new or surprising but I'd say it's a useful tool available on a mass basis for achieving what an expensive life coach may be to provide.

22. The Night Watch

This is my second Sarah Waters's book and I can say confidently that I'll read the rest and anything else she writes.

I can't believe how much research she would have had to done to transport readers so perfectly back to London during the war years. Complementing the rich environment is an original and thoughtful web of characters, trapped in tangles of forbidden love. There's no resorting to cheap tricks, and this isn't a quick and easy read - it's full-bodied and well developed.

Faye wrote: "22. The Night Watch

This is my second Sarah Waters's book and I can say confidently that I'll read the rest and anything else she writes.

I can't believe how much re..."


I love Sarah Waters! I actually saw her speak last month at Adelaide Writers' Week and she was talking about the PhD she completed in historical fiction, so it's understandable that she writes these amazingly-researched books. They completely transport you to the times in which the books are set, and make you feel like you're there, watching the events unfold. Read Fingersmith! It's still my favourite of hers to date.

Heather wrote: "Faye wrote: "22. The Night Watch

This is my second Sarah Waters's book and I can say confidently that I'll read the rest and anything else she writes.

I can't be..."

I'm jealous, Heather! Sarah is one of those writers that really prooves what a craft producing fiction can be. I'm about a quarter through Fingersmith now and just a few readers from getting Tipping Velvet from the library. I know I'll soon be sorry there's no back-titles left.

23. Fingersmith

Half way through this book I was so delighted with the grand twists and complexity, I was daydreaming about going home and finishing the book (and, I love my job, so this isn't typical.) Upon finishing, I'm satisfied that it's a very clever story with all the loose ends tied up nicely for the reader.

oh, how amazing were those twists! I NEVER saw them coming, especially the one that occurs half-way through the book! I told Sarah Waters that they're still the best twists I've ever encountered in a book.

I never saw them coming either. I was almost worried they wouldn't get together in the end so much of the book had been unpredictable. The other books that I've read of Sarah Waters' so far have stood apart for the superb creation of environment and context, but this one was just such an original story.

24. The Passion

Love, murder, madness woven together into a perfectly poetic and brief fairytale.

Faye wrote: "24. The Passion

Love, murder, madness woven together into a perfectly poetic and brief fairytale."

Sound excellent! It has been on my to-read list for a while, so it sounds like I'll have to move it up.

It was excellent, but in a weird way I can't throw my whole weight behind it. It was too short ( It took probably 3-4 hours to read) and I don't feel that obsession about it I do other books. But honestly it's perfect; I have no recommendations to improve it; nothing's missing and I could only dream to write something half as good. I'd be interested to know what you think.

Heather wrote: "Faye wrote: "24. The Passion

Love, murder, madness woven together into a perfectly poetic and brief fairytale."

Sound excellent! It has been on my to-read list for a while, so it..."

25. The Help

In the first few pages, I was finding myself unsure if I could read the thick affectation of a southern coloured maid written by a white author, as so many other readers have noted. That wore off pretty quickly as I realized this was a thrilling and beautiful tale of female heroics and changing times. I leave it feeling uplifted, happy and satisfied.

Faye wrote: "15. Shutter Island

Wow! I wouldn't say this is my usual genre, but I was pretty impressed. I can see why they made this into a movie. The plot is tight and it's pretty much the perf..."

I felt the same way when I read this! "Thrillers" aren't really my genre, but this was a REALLY impressive story. I'm glad to see someone else who kind of went out of their comfort zone with this too (and enjoyed it!)
Good luck with your goal! :)

(By the way, the movie was practically STRAIGHT ON with the book if you haven't seen it yet. It's a great adaptation.)

26. Tipping the Velvet

How did you find Tipping the Velvet, Faye? I've never read any of her earlier stuff but have been intending to for a while.

27. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

While it was nice to get a fresh taste of that Twilight thrill, this was a super short read. Thank you Stephenie Meyer for posting it for free online at http://www.breetanner.com/ until July 5!

28. The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us

In the same vein as Malcolm Gladwell's writings. I'd say Malcolm is the better storyteller, but I've no authority to judge the science. (Chabris & Simons argue that Gladwell's findings are skewed.) I guess somewhat ironically, Chablis & Simon's work also argues that I would be more inclined to agree with Gladwell since intuitively I like what he says better.

29. The Gift of Fear

A self-help book that reads like a thriller.

30. Women of the Klondike

31. The Importance of Being Monogamus: Marriage and Nation Building in Western Canada to 1915

This was too academically written to be a pleasure-read, but very interesting info. Didn't realize how designed and intentional suppression was in Canada just 120 years ago. Not taking my rights for granted quite as much now.

32. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West

33. Midnight Sun

Okay... a strange couple of books to be reading at once.

I'm about 35 pages short of genuinely completing Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West, but I'm calling it now. It's not that it's not a "good" book, because it sure does shed a good light on the "settling" (read: massacre; treachery; inhumanity) of the american west, it's just that it's too repetitive. Over and over again, good (and some not as good) people were taken advantage of, displaced and killed. It's so thorough and similar a process with each indian nation that it's not the most interesting reading material other than as a study of repetition. Certainly helps me to view white american historical references differently. Uggh. What shame. It'd probably be better reading if it focused less on the big picture and could provide more details about fewer people, but, I suspect that then it couldn't be the missing history text that it needs to be.

Midnight Sun is definitely an easy, pleasure read. It's a guilty decadence to slip back into the romance of the series and Stephenie Meyer's writing has improved since Twilight. Finally, an explanation as to why someone finds Bella atractive! ;)

34. Don't Eat This Book: Fast Food and the Supersizing of America

An good reminder to take charge of what you're eating with some accessible info on sugar, fats and other bad stuff. A little too similar to the movie and too simple to be really earth shattering.

I recall Diet for a New America: How Your Food Choices Affect Your Health, Happiness and the Future of Life on Earth to be a more motivating and impactful book with some overlapping subject materials.

35. Small Island

The story was enjoyable, but Andrea Levy's punchy and descriptive prose was probably an important contributing factor in all the prizes won. A good read.

I saw her speak at Adelaide Writers' Week this year and she was incredible! She read an excerpt from her new book, The Long Song, with the Jamaican accents and everything, then told us that she recorded the audio book herself. It's the only time I've ever wanted to go out and purchase an audio book over the hard copy!

36. The Time Traveler's Wife

If the assignment was "think of all the cool things you could do if you were a time traveller," I think she did a good job. If the assignment was create an international best seller, she accomplished it, but I'm surprised. Characters were shallow, mechanical "name droppers" with little personality. The love story aspect wasn't buyable.

Heather wrote: "I saw her speak at Adelaide Writers' Week this year and she was incredible! She read an excerpt from her new book, The Long Song, with the Jamaican accents and everything, then told us that she rec..."

I am so jealous of this conference, Heather. It sounds amazing! I bet that would have been a great reading.