I didn't make it to 200 books this last year as was my goal. It was a tough year full of changes so I can't say that I feel too bad about it. I did manage to break a hundred, or I will by January 1st anyway. I can't say if this is really a record as I know I used to read voraciously.
In any case, I've been trying to figure out what my reading challenge for 2006 should be. There are some big changes ahead of me and want to start working on my writing again. I've found, a little to my surprise, that my muse is directly tied to how much I read. Many things suggested themselves but what I've settled on is...lists. I've begun a growing obsession with book lists: recommended reading lists, books for class lists, awards book lists. Books about books fascinate me. Recently, I bought myself an early Christmas present called Book Lust by Nancy Pearl.
So my goal for the new year is twofold.
1. To read more books than last year with an overall goal of 200 (why not, it's as good a number as any)
2. To pursue books on the thematic lists in Book Lust.
Rules:
1. Only books read between January 1, 2006 and December 31 count towards the books for 2006.
2. Any book read in the last year can count towards an individual list, however, as long as it was reviewed in the last year.
3. I can only reread books that I've read in the last year if they appear on lists and have them count towards the overall number goal.
4. Every book read gets a review/blurb
5. I must announce each list when I start on it and the source, when I finish the list I review it and make any comments I might have on it.
6. 80% of all books I read must appear on the lists I choose.
New Rating System:
To make life easier for me I've also devised a new rating system. Every book gets a rating of 1-5 and here's what it means.
5 - I loved it, I'm going to own it, I'm in fact going to buy multiple copies and promote this book by handing them out for free and church socials and company picnics.
4 - I liked it. I definitely want to have a copy in my library and recommend it to everyone.
3 - I liked it well enough, if I see a cheap used copy of it I'll snag it for my collection. I would recommend this book to some people or for specific reasons.
2 - I didn't hate, didn't like it either. I wouldn't generally recommend it to most people.
1 - I hated it or severely disliked it. There has to be a serious problem with the writing or the subject matter for a book to get this rating. In the last 2 years I've only run across 2 or 3 of these.
Monday, November 28, 2005
93. The Okinawa Diet Plan (NF 8)
by Bradley Willcox et. all. (412 pgs)
This is a further expansion of the food aspects of the Okinawa Program which I read earlier in the year. Both these books are less about losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle. I think they are interesting, both for their interesting approach towards lifestyle and for the new foods and cooking techniques they introduce.
This is a further expansion of the food aspects of the Okinawa Program which I read earlier in the year. Both these books are less about losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle. I think they are interesting, both for their interesting approach towards lifestyle and for the new foods and cooking techniques they introduce.
Friday, November 25, 2005
92. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon (639 pages)
Kavalier and Clay is the story of two men breaking into the ground floor of comic books when the form was still being discovered. It's also a book of the years leading up to WWII. It's a book about being jewish and escaping from Prague. It's about losing family. It's about finding a new family. It's about self discover. This is one of those books I try to describe and find that I can't. Suffice it to say, I found this a pretty amazing read.
Kavalier and Clay is the story of two men breaking into the ground floor of comic books when the form was still being discovered. It's also a book of the years leading up to WWII. It's a book about being jewish and escaping from Prague. It's about losing family. It's about finding a new family. It's about self discover. This is one of those books I try to describe and find that I can't. Suffice it to say, I found this a pretty amazing read.
Monday, November 21, 2005
91. The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien (273 pages)
This is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories about the Vietnam War. Reading this is a haunting and eerie experience. This book haunts me like a ghost and it makes me start to understand the dichotomy of the people involved in that war. They hated being there and they were hated for going there.
This is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories about the Vietnam War. Reading this is a haunting and eerie experience. This book haunts me like a ghost and it makes me start to understand the dichotomy of the people involved in that war. They hated being there and they were hated for going there.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
90. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
by Kim Harrison (464 pages)
Things are looking up for Rachel. There's no longer a death threat hanging over her head but she's broke. Freelancing isn't turning so well for her. On top of that, consulting for the F.I.B. isn't working out so hot either and life with Ivy...is kinda scary.
The world develops and plot thickens. I recommend this series to everyone and their dog. Read it....it's lovely.
Things are looking up for Rachel. There's no longer a death threat hanging over her head but she's broke. Freelancing isn't turning so well for her. On top of that, consulting for the F.I.B. isn't working out so hot either and life with Ivy...is kinda scary.
The world develops and plot thickens. I recommend this series to everyone and their dog. Read it....it's lovely.
89. Dead Witch Walking
Kim Harrison (432 pages)
Rachel is a runner for the I.S., an organization that polices the Inderland races particularly in their interactions with humans. Rachel's boss doesn't seem to like her though and eventually she's driven to do the one thing no one's ever managed to do...quit the I.S. That leaves Rachel living in a church with a living vampire and a death threat on her head. Whatever will she do?
Ok. I love this book. I love the characters and the world. I haven't had so much fun in this genre since I discovered Neil Gaimen.
Rachel is a runner for the I.S., an organization that polices the Inderland races particularly in their interactions with humans. Rachel's boss doesn't seem to like her though and eventually she's driven to do the one thing no one's ever managed to do...quit the I.S. That leaves Rachel living in a church with a living vampire and a death threat on her head. Whatever will she do?
Ok. I love this book. I love the characters and the world. I haven't had so much fun in this genre since I discovered Neil Gaimen.
88. Grave Peril
by Jim Butcher (378 pages)
Book 3 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden teams up with a holy knight to combat an unusual string of ghost infestations. As it turns out there's more going on than meets the eye.
World development continues and it's intriguing. Dresden's history is beginning to flesh out. Dresden himself becomes more sinister than comic in this story. Aside from a tendency to wallow in self pity a bit, Dresden finally comes to life for me as a strong character.
Book 3 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden teams up with a holy knight to combat an unusual string of ghost infestations. As it turns out there's more going on than meets the eye.
World development continues and it's intriguing. Dresden's history is beginning to flesh out. Dresden himself becomes more sinister than comic in this story. Aside from a tendency to wallow in self pity a bit, Dresden finally comes to life for me as a strong character.
87. Fool Moon
by Jim Butcher (352 pages)
Book 2 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the phone book, is helping the police in a series of savage murders. There be werewolves here. But what flavor?
Butcher hits his stride. This was an enjoyable. The character interaction is still a little strained but the world is developing interestingly.
Book 2 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the phone book, is helping the police in a series of savage murders. There be werewolves here. But what flavor?
Butcher hits his stride. This was an enjoyable. The character interaction is still a little strained but the world is developing interestingly.
86. Storm Front
by Jim Butcher (336 pages)
Book 1 in the The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden is a professional wizard who is usually broke and sometimes helps the police with magically perpetrated crimes. When the police call him to consult on the case of two deaths by exploding heart, Dresden gets in neck deep.
It's a well designed world with believable characters and a well defined system of magic. That being said, I had a hard time getting into it. The plot was a little strained although it was plausible and the character interaction was a little off. I think Butcher just hadn't his stride yet with this one. I will continue to read the series for a bit though and see how it goes.
Book 1 in the The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden is a professional wizard who is usually broke and sometimes helps the police with magically perpetrated crimes. When the police call him to consult on the case of two deaths by exploding heart, Dresden gets in neck deep.
It's a well designed world with believable characters and a well defined system of magic. That being said, I had a hard time getting into it. The plot was a little strained although it was plausible and the character interaction was a little off. I think Butcher just hadn't his stride yet with this one. I will continue to read the series for a bit though and see how it goes.
85. Something from the Nightside
by Simon R. Green (240 pages)
A cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Big Sleep, John Taylor is a damaged tragic PI, with a secret and a special gift. He can find anything or anyone.
This is a fun book but it suffers from incessant literary and cultural allusion and a somewhat derivative nature. It's a little predictable. On the other hand, it's fun and I enjoyed the characters. The character interaction was plausible. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the genre and is well read in the area. Newbies to the genre will miss much I fear.
A cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Big Sleep, John Taylor is a damaged tragic PI, with a secret and a special gift. He can find anything or anyone.
This is a fun book but it suffers from incessant literary and cultural allusion and a somewhat derivative nature. It's a little predictable. On the other hand, it's fun and I enjoyed the characters. The character interaction was plausible. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the genre and is well read in the area. Newbies to the genre will miss much I fear.
84. Cerulean Sins
by Laurell K. Hamilton (560 pages)
Book 11 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel
Jean-Claude receives a visit from the representative of the head of his vampiric line. No one seems to like her much. Revelations abound.
Honestly....I keep forgetting what this one is about. On the other hand, it wasn't bad either.
Book 11 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel
Jean-Claude receives a visit from the representative of the head of his vampiric line. No one seems to like her much. Revelations abound.
Honestly....I keep forgetting what this one is about. On the other hand, it wasn't bad either.
83. Narcissus in Chains
by Laurell K. Hamilton (656 pages)
Book 10 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
An accident leaves Anita's furry status in question and unfortunately for Richard, it isn't a werewolf she's in danger of being. At same time there's a mysterious visitor and Anita is having to come to terms with some new and interesting revelations about her powers.
Hamilton cuts loose and lets the smut factor reign supreme....not that it isn't good. It's just about 50% plot development and 50% smut. Fun though.
Book 10 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
An accident leaves Anita's furry status in question and unfortunately for Richard, it isn't a werewolf she's in danger of being. At same time there's a mysterious visitor and Anita is having to come to terms with some new and interesting revelations about her powers.
Hamilton cuts loose and lets the smut factor reign supreme....not that it isn't good. It's just about 50% plot development and 50% smut. Fun though.
82. Obsidian Butterfly
by Laurell K. Hamilton (608 pages)
Book 9 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
Edward calls in his marker and Anita heads for the sunny South West. If Edwards associates don't kill her, there's still the local master Aztec vampire, and a monster that's skinning and disemboweling the locals.
This is perhaps the best book in the series that I've read so far. There's almost no smut and Edward becomes a very interesting character.
Book 9 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
Edward calls in his marker and Anita heads for the sunny South West. If Edwards associates don't kill her, there's still the local master Aztec vampire, and a monster that's skinning and disemboweling the locals.
This is perhaps the best book in the series that I've read so far. There's almost no smut and Edward becomes a very interesting character.
81. Blue Moon
by Laurell K. Hamilton (432 pages)
Book 8 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Richard's in trouble. In fact, Richard's in jail and for some reason it's down to Anita to go out to the middle of no where and bail him out. Things are never simple between ex's though and things....escalate.
This is one of my favorites in the series. Aside from the smut, it's really fun to read and the plot's really tight....come to that the smut is fun too. ;-)
Book 8 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Richard's in trouble. In fact, Richard's in jail and for some reason it's down to Anita to go out to the middle of no where and bail him out. Things are never simple between ex's though and things....escalate.
This is one of my favorites in the series. Aside from the smut, it's really fun to read and the plot's really tight....come to that the smut is fun too. ;-)
80. Burnt Offerings
by Laurell K. Hamilton (400 pages)
Book 7 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita finds herself protector of the local group of were-leopards after killing their last leader. Things become more complicated when three of the vampire counsel decide to check out Jean-Claude's outfit. Asher is introduced as a new character.
Honestly, I keep forgetting which book this is. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it seems to be very much a transition book.
Book 7 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita finds herself protector of the local group of were-leopards after killing their last leader. Things become more complicated when three of the vampire counsel decide to check out Jean-Claude's outfit. Asher is introduced as a new character.
Honestly, I keep forgetting which book this is. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it seems to be very much a transition book.
79. The Killing Dance
by Laurell K. Hamilton (400 pages)
Book 6 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
A diseased vampire named Sabin comes to Anita and Jean-Claude for help. Vampires are starting to die in a ritual way. In the meantime Richard and Marcus the werewolf king have to have a 'talk.' Unfortunately its possible Richards animal nature will scare Anita off.
This is a major turning point in the series. Things start to shift from plot and start turning to what my grandmother used to call 'smut'. But it's fun smut.
Book 6 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
A diseased vampire named Sabin comes to Anita and Jean-Claude for help. Vampires are starting to die in a ritual way. In the meantime Richard and Marcus the werewolf king have to have a 'talk.' Unfortunately its possible Richards animal nature will scare Anita off.
This is a major turning point in the series. Things start to shift from plot and start turning to what my grandmother used to call 'smut'. But it's fun smut.
78. Bloody Bones
by Laurell K. Hamilton (384 pages)
Book 5 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita gets a contract for a job raising an entire cemetery at the site of a potential new posh hotel. The surrounding neighborhood has...some problems though. And as Jean-Claude's marked human she's unwittingly step on the toes of the local vampire group. Anita gets in over head and she calls in Jean-Claude to help. The walls start to come tumbling down between Jean-Claude and Anita.
Things steam up even more. The atmosphere is full of sexual tension and it's obvious Anita has no idea how to handle it. It's well written but I didn't really buy the new setting. Too much going on for the humans to be playing dumb.
Book 5 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita gets a contract for a job raising an entire cemetery at the site of a potential new posh hotel. The surrounding neighborhood has...some problems though. And as Jean-Claude's marked human she's unwittingly step on the toes of the local vampire group. Anita gets in over head and she calls in Jean-Claude to help. The walls start to come tumbling down between Jean-Claude and Anita.
Things steam up even more. The atmosphere is full of sexual tension and it's obvious Anita has no idea how to handle it. It's well written but I didn't really buy the new setting. Too much going on for the humans to be playing dumb.
77. The Lunatic Cafe
by Laurell K. Hamilton (384 pages)
Book 4 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Lycanthropes are going missing in St. Louis. Anita finds herself asked by a worried husband to find his missing furry wife. She passes it off to her Private investigator friend. When the collected leaders of the major lycanthrope groups in the city ask Anita to help...it's a bit more tricky. Anita gets in dutch with the local lycanthrope group's top dog and tries to start a relationship with the hunk of a school teacher, Richard.
Things are beginning to steam up. This is the beginning of the slide into the land of sexual promiscuity. Lunatic Cafe is still well in the level of reasonable excitement though.
Book 4 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Lycanthropes are going missing in St. Louis. Anita finds herself asked by a worried husband to find his missing furry wife. She passes it off to her Private investigator friend. When the collected leaders of the major lycanthrope groups in the city ask Anita to help...it's a bit more tricky. Anita gets in dutch with the local lycanthrope group's top dog and tries to start a relationship with the hunk of a school teacher, Richard.
Things are beginning to steam up. This is the beginning of the slide into the land of sexual promiscuity. Lunatic Cafe is still well in the level of reasonable excitement though.
76. Circus of the Damned
by Laurell K. Hamilton (336 pages)
Book 3 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita Blake is visited by a radical political group called 'Humans First' a violent offshoot of 'Humans against Vampires.' A new pack of vampires is hunting the city and Jean Claude is in trouble. Anita and Jean-Claude may have to band together to take out a force that threatens Jean-Claude's mastery of the city's vampire population and the delicate balance between the humans and vamps. Enter Richard the enigmatic hunk.
This is the book where Hamilton hits her stride. The convoluted mystery is engaging and the new characters pop off the page with personality.
Book 3 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita Blake is visited by a radical political group called 'Humans First' a violent offshoot of 'Humans against Vampires.' A new pack of vampires is hunting the city and Jean Claude is in trouble. Anita and Jean-Claude may have to band together to take out a force that threatens Jean-Claude's mastery of the city's vampire population and the delicate balance between the humans and vamps. Enter Richard the enigmatic hunk.
This is the book where Hamilton hits her stride. The convoluted mystery is engaging and the new characters pop off the page with personality.
75. The Laughing Corpse
by Laurell K. Hamilton (304 pages)
Book 2 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
When a rich industrialist with an morality deficiency tries to hire Anita to sacrifice a white goat in order to raise a long dead ancestor, Anita has no problems turning him down. Dealing with the rampaging monster that's literally tearing people apart is a slightly different matter.
This is perhaps the weakest book in the series. I got a little bored reading it and almost put it down. It's not bad but there are times when the plot seems to slow down to a crawl.
Book 2 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
When a rich industrialist with an morality deficiency tries to hire Anita to sacrifice a white goat in order to raise a long dead ancestor, Anita has no problems turning him down. Dealing with the rampaging monster that's literally tearing people apart is a slightly different matter.
This is perhaps the weakest book in the series. I got a little bored reading it and almost put it down. It's not bad but there are times when the plot seems to slow down to a crawl.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Update
Well, I'm a bad person, yes I am. I stopped blogging my books. I think that came soon after the realization that I wasn't going to make it to 200 this year...but hey I've still read a lot and really enjoyed it. So I'm going to retask the blog and turn it into a reading journal. I'm going to start the count over every January first and if some year I make it to 200 there will be much rejoicing. In the meantime I've read something like 20 books which need to be entered.
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