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Goals for 2011
1)Read 150 books (average of 12 to 13 books per month. Yikes!)
2)Complete Level 1 of the Serious Readers Challenge
3)Write at least 2 book reviews per month.
4)Keep track of all books read (including start and finish date)
5)Read 1 'serious' book per month (i.e. classics, award winning, nonfiction, or autobiography)
6)Do not let to-read list exceed 300 books (this might be the most difficult one yet)

Go, Sashana! You can do it!

I hope so :)

Sashana wrote: "Goals for 2011
1)Read 150 books (average of 12 to 13 books per month. Yikes!)
2)Complete Level 1 of the Serious Readers Challenge
3)Write at least 2 book reviews per month."

I've made the goal of reading 15 classic books a month. When I went through the list, I noticed that many of them are 700+ books. So, I'm starting to make a reading "plan"- trying to gather together a list of short books, 300 pages and under. Maybe you could do that- make a shelf of TBR short books. If you reach the halfway point each month (the 15th) and you're under 6 books, you can read books off that list to make your 12-13 books a month.

Maybe I should do that. Or maybe I can start off with the difficult books first (while I'm in high school) and save the easier books for the last six months (when I'm in college). I need to really sit and think of a strategy.

Sashana wrote: "Maybe I should do that. Or maybe I can start off with the difficult books first (while I'm in high school) and save the easier books for the last six months (when I'm in college). I need to really ..."

Save the hardest books for the summer or Spring Break. Who knows, maybe some of the books will be assigned reading for school.

I don't think I'll be able to read much in summer because I'll be starting college in summer instead of fall. But I can definitely read during Spring Break and all other holidays. Plus I can read during my last few weeks of high school because I doubt we'll be doing much.

Oy, my goals keep getting longer.

This list may be edited in the future. It is simply a guidance list.

January
1) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2) The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
3) Holes by Louis Sachar
4) Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
5) Matched by Ally Condie
6) Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
7) Heart of Gold by Jessica Bird
8) Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne
9) The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
10) Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
11) Summer in the Cityby Robyn Sisman
12) The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells
13) Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
14) Take Me by Bella Andre
15) Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
16) Forget You by Jennifer Echols
17) Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

1) Undead and Unwed**** by MaryJanice Davidson
I am a huge fan of chick-lit and paranormal romance, so combining the two genres is like reader heaven for me. Seriously, you get the best of both genres with this book: the insecure but lovable protagonist, her bad ass vampire crush, and some steamy sex scenes. What more could a girl ask for?

I was not going to stumble around like a zombie, scaring the hell out of people and pretending I still had a place in the world. "God," I said, teetering for balance, "I'm coming to see you know."

Betsy is having a horrible week. Not only did she die in a tragic accident, she has awaken a vampire-in horrible shoes at that. After coming to terms with her new (undead) life she manages to piss off the head vampire, become a crime fighting vigilante, and oh yeah, learns of a prophecy that will make her the queen of the undead. Whew!

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and I seriously had to cry from laughing too hard. This isn't a stimulating read so don't approach it looking for the secrets of the universe and such. This book should be read if you're sad, stressed, and looking for a a pick me up-that's calorie free.

2) Mini Shopaholic**** 1/5/2011

I'm a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella, but I must confess a secret: I'm not a fan of the Shopaholic series. Even though it is, without a doubt,the series that catapulted her to fame, I've never really impressed by the books. So I didn't read this expecting to be charmed or thoroughly caught up in Rebecca's antics. But you know what they say...sixth time's the charm. Or something like that. This being the sixth book in the series I've decided to make a list of my six likes and dislikes.

1) "Becky's art form is unique," Luke suddenly chimes in. "She creates...unreal worlds. Fantasyland, some might call it." Rebecca's escapades reaches an alarming high in this book. It amuses me to read about the lengths she will go to just to achieve life's everyday necessities.
2) I really enjoyed the story but I felt that some portions were a repetition of the other books in the series. For example: Rebecca and Suze's fight reminded me of the one they had in Shopaholic and Sister and Rebecca's suspicion of Luke reminded me of Shopaholic and Baby.
3)Like mother, like daughter...If you thought Rebecca was a handful, wait until you read about Minnie. She is the embodiment of the phrase "terrible twos." Already banned from four shopping malls, she settles her need for retail therapy by shopping online, and making frequent trips to Starbucks for her much loved "biscuits".
4) Rebecca and Luke's marriage bothered me a lot. Luke sends out major sugar daddy vibes-granted he and Becky are almost the same age but he barely spends ten pages of the book without her Blackberry or running off to work.His priorities seem to be work, Blackberry, Becky and Minnie (in that order).
5) Just the fact that I had to cry from laughing too hard.
6) Many things were left unsaid. Kinsella failed to mention what the altercation between Luke and his mother was and she also failed to deliver a reconciliation between mother and son. I guess we'll have to wait for another book.

3) Hail Caesar* by Thu Huong Ha 1/6/2011

Dear Scholastic Inc,
I bought Thu-Huong Ha's, Hail Caesar on December 11, 2011 for $1 at a local book fair. I was thoroughly disappointed by the book and offended by Ms. Ha's misrepresentation of teenage life. Contrary to popular belief, teenagers do not speak like this: "I do not think. I do not breathe. I am in party mode. I am the Dictator," or, "sup .nmu. jc. im hungry. u wanna get sum food. some over here. we got some shit. aight."
It is with great regret (on your part) that I request my $1 back or (preferably) the 3 days of my life I spent wasted reading this book.

A disappointed reader,
Sashana

I've never made my distate for the classics a secret but let it be known that I din't dislike this book for it allusion to Julius Caesar. I disliked this book because a) it sucked and b) it was poorly written. Seriously, did this book have an editor? And who in their right mind would publish this? The author tried to base her character, John, on Julius Caesar- with a modern twist. Unfortunately it became quite obvious on page three that she was unsuccessful at achieving this. What was on page 3 you ask? Slam the car door. I stride into the parking lot and toward the brick school: Laurence High School, Home of the Lions. Roar. Life in suburbia's public high schools doesn't get much more complicated than dicks, chicks, and a lot of chicks. Are.you.fucking.kidding.me?! I should get a prize for finishing this book!

In order for me to fully capture the essence of this book I must do the most clichéd review I can think of.
(Review to be added later)

Ouch. I almost feel sorry for her. Lol. Sorry it sucked that bad. Looks like we are all having a rough start for reading in 2011!

Let me know when you put it up Sashana and I'll "Like" it. That is one of your best reviews yet. :)

Thanks, Lisarenee. I guess it took a bad book for me to write a good review :D. So, I guess this book did have its benefit.

4) A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks 1/8/2011


Sometimes in the midst of reading a book you learn invaluable lessons, ones that you know will stay with you forever. While reading this book I came across a line that while simple was unbelievably profound: Life, I’ve learned is never fair. If people teach anything in school, that should be it. I’m neither privileged nor naive enough to think that life is (or ever has been) fair, but the ease in which Nicholas Sparks delivered this line spoke to me.
Despite seeing this movie countless times, I still managed to cry my eyes out and have my heart broken all over again. Nicholas Sparks is a genius and thirty years from now this book will be a classic.
Synopsis
Created by Sashana
While taking a stroll, London Carter aged 57 remembers his life at 17 years old. It was a year, he remembers, filled with joy and sadness. In that year, he became the man he is today and learned lessons of unlimited faith and love. His teacher? 17 year old Jamie Sullivan, who is unmatched in her unshakeable faith and goodness. But when tragedy strikes Logan and Jamie must learn the true meaning of love, loss, and faith.
Comparison between book and movie

Surprisingly both the book and movie was enjoyable, despite a few minor differences.
1) The majority of the book was set in the late 1950’s while the movie was set in the early 2000’s. That’s a fifty year time difference so the tone of the book is slightly different from that of the movie.
2) In the movie Landon was a tall, dark, and handsome bad boy but in the book Landon was just your average teenage boy; he was neither popular nor unpopular, neither a saint nor a delinquent. This, I think, also has something to do with the time difference.
3) In the movie Landon’s father was a doctor who divorced him and his mother. In the book London’s father is a politician and his parents are married, although his father isn’t around much.

I really hope this book does become a classic. It teaches so many things. Even though Landon wasn't the big bad boy that he was in the movie, there was still a popularity gap between them. I mean when isn't there when your talking about the town minister's daughter? Haha. Not to be mean or anything...just beign real.

I love how this book teaches not to take things for face value and dive deeper into a person. You never know! Tolerance, acceptance, and self image are big issues today and this book has them all.

I am so happy you liked it. I would have been devastated if you hadn't. Lol.

Rachel wrote: "I really hope this book does become a classic. It teaches so many things. Even though Landon wasn't the big bad boy that he was in the movie, there was still a popularity gap between them. I mean w..."

I loved it! I'm thinking about reading something else by Sparks in a few weeks. Maybe I'll give The Last Song a try. Have you read it yet, Rachel?

The think that shocks me the most is that it's simple but still manages to be deep and beautiful. Not everyone can write like that. Lord the man has talent! Did you like to movie as well, Rachel?

I have read The Last Song, but it has been quite awhile. I remember liking it, but not as much as A Walk...I would also recommend The Notebook.

The movie was decent. I have a hard time watching books-to-movies though. They never quite live up to the print.

Rachel wrote: "I have read The Last Song, but it has been quite awhile. I remember liking it, but not as much as A Walk...I would also recommend The Notebook.

The movie was decent. I have a hard time watching ..."

I think because I saw the movie waaay before I read the book I enjoyed them both. If I had read the book first I probably wouldn't feel the same way. I saw and read the Notebook but I liked the movie more (saw the movie first too). The only book that I read without watching the movie is Dear John and it was great.

Oh, I loved A Walk to Remember - the book and the movie. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Sashana. I've been meaning to read more Nicholas Sparks books so thanks for reminding me. :) The only other Sparks book that I have read is The Notebook, and I liked that movie too. Let me know which book you decide to read next, I'm curious.

Mckris10 wrote: "Oh, I loved A Walk to Remember - the book and the movie. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Sashana. I've been meaning to read more Nicholas Sparks books so thanks for reminding me. :) The only other Sparks ..."

I requested The Last Song from my library so that's what I'll be reading next.

5) Undead and Unemployed*** by MaryJanice Davidson 1/8/2011
6) Once and Always by Judith McNaught 1/12/2011
7) Hot City Nights: Summer In The City\Back To You\Forgotten Lover*** by Sandra Marton 1/13/2011

Erika wrote: "5 stars for Once and Always? That one has been on my list for quite some time. I'll have to go and get it sometime this year then. May I recommend to you Whitney, My Love? I don't kno..."

Erika, it was my first book by her so I was really impressed. Plus it was historical romance-a genre I don't really like so I was really impressed. Thanks for the recommendation, I will read it.

Sashana wrote: "3) Hail Caesar* by Thu Huong Ha 1/6/2011

Dear Scholastic Inc,
I bought Thu-Huong Ha's, Hail Caesar on December 11, 2011 for $1 at a local book fair. I was thoroughly di..."

I shouldn't laugh at your pain, but this was an awesome review and made me giggle.

I gave 5 stars to Once and Always too. It was my first McNaught book as well. I'm glad you liked it!

Thanks, Sans! I'm glad you liked it. Like I said to Lisarenee, I guess it took reading this horrible book for something good to happen :). And I can't wait to read more from McNaught, she is awesome.

8) The Summer of Skinny Dipping*** by Amanda Howells 1/14/2011

Sashana wrote: "This list may be edited in the future. It is simply a guidance list.

January
1) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2) The Accidental Demon Slayer by [aut..."

Sashana wrote: "1) Undead and Unwed**** by MaryJanice Davidson
I am a huge fan of chick-lit and paranormal romance, so combining the two genres is like reader heaven for me. Seriousl..."

Mary Janice Davidson Series Dead and Undead
is is a great series. Read it from the beginning. I read the whole series in a 2 week period/ Could not stop laughing till the end. But the end will get you so be ready/ Thats all she wrote folks:

I hope the end gets me in a good way :) *crossing my fingers*. I don't want to read the series straight because I don't want to get tired of the books. I'll probably read the next two books in February.

Marcia, Is that how she wrote the ending or did the author pass on?

9) Paradise*** by Judith McNaught 1/16/2011

10) Nerd in Shining Armor*** by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Review to come later)
11) Reign or Shine*** by Michelle Rowen (review to come later)

12) The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake*** by Aimee Bender 1/23/2011 (Review to come later)

13) Unearthly**** by Cynthia Hand 1/23/2011

Someone once told me not to expect too much from the first book in a series. If that’s the case then I think I’ve fallen on the next big YA series (pun intended).
Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I admit, I was hesitant and bit wary about reading this book because I’m really not a fan of angels and I’m always on the lookout for Twilight knock offs; the former was quickly remedied after reading the first few chapters of this book and the latter couldn’t be further from the truth. Before I get into all the juicy details, I’d like to send out a silent thank you to Cynthia Hand- you have blossomed my love of angels, something many authors have failed to do, and created a kick-ass (forgive me, Father) angelic world which had me reading until 2 A.M.

First, let me begin by saying how much loved Tucker being the main love interest; a genuine gentleman who opens doors, respects a lady’s mind and body, and isn’t brooding every time the damn wind blows. He is an endangered species- both in real life and in books. This is not to say that I don’t enjoy bad boys and their broodiness but I think too many authors rely on this trait instead of spending time to develop realistic men who can be just as appealing, if not more, as bad boys.
When Clara started having visions of Christian I thought to myself, “Great, another YA book talking about destiny, true love, soul mates, and yada yada yadaa. How original.� But I was quickly proven wrong. Cynthia Hand certainly knows how to give destiny a new twist.
I didn’t dislike Christian, but I knew he wasn’t right for Clara because he was giving out major ‘He's Just Not That Into You,� vibes. Plus, I think I’ve made my feeling on the whole destined love thing clear.

I wasn’t a big fan of Tucker either but he began to grow on me once Hand began to develop his and Clara’s friendship and, ultimately, their relationship.

It kills me that I’ll have to wait a whole year to find out what happens next. What was the purpose/meaning/goal of the faulty destiny? What has Jeffrey been doing to result in the darkness of his wings? What will happen between Christian and Clara (I hope not much!)?