Reading Challenge: What's on Your List?

My friend, Diana Holquist, posted a reading challenge on her blog (http://blog.myspace.com/dianaholquist). I decided to take her up on it. The idea is that you post 12 books you're planning to read in 2008. She posted all romance, I'm not doing that because my romance choices tend to be based on my mood--I can't plan ahead!

Here are the 12 books I've preselected.

  1. Choke by Chuck Palahniuk -- I LOVE his books.
  2. The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman -- My mom gave it to me and she'll keep asking until I read it. Also, it looks great.
  3. The first Hightower book by Gwyneth Bolton -- Have you seen the "inspirational" photos she posted? (http://profile.myspace.com/gwynethbolton) Hummina!
  4. The Brother Returns by Jeannie Watt -- I loved The Horseman's Secret. Plus! Brothers!!!
  5. Independence Day by Richard Ford -- Do I have to explain why?
  6. Outlander by Diana Gaboldon -- My friend Diana had it on her list, I've always wanted to read it, and we can discuss it while relaxing with a drink at RWA. (Let's hope we've both read it by then.)
  7. Whatever people recommend by J.R. Ward -- I have to find out what the buzz is about.
  8. Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips -- I read this at least once every six months.
  9. The March Super Romances -- Baby Month!
  10. Something by Kimberly Van Meter -- I'm dying to read one of hers. (Not sure which one I'll get my hands on first...)
  11. Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay -- I've loved every book he ever wrote. Just waiting for the paperback.
  12. The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle -- I read about this one on the Amazon "Best of 2007" and it sounds up my alley--it's a YA about a motherless girl and a taciturn dad.

What books are you going to read this year?

Peace,

Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

What books I'm reading this year...

I like the idea of picking a selection... I mean, I do have 350+ books on my TBR shelves, but I'm going to take this challenge by listing some books that I've got hanging around, but keep putting off.

  1.  Maria Snyder ~ Poison Study

  2.  Joseph Finder ~ Killer Instinct

  3.  Sabrina Jeffries ~ Beware the Scot's Revenge

  4.  Kathleen Givens ~ Rivals for the Crown

  5.  Mike Gayle ~ Brand New Friend

  6.  Anything new by Julie Miller

  7.  Stevi Mittman ~ Whose Number is Up Anyway?

  8.  Jenna Mills ~ Killing Me Softly

  9.  J. D. Robb ~ Conspiracy in Death

10.  Elizabeth Vaughn ~ Warsworn & Warlod

11.  More harlequin eBooks!       

 

KaLyKo ~ I'm a readaholic and Proud of it!!

350+ TBR!!

Hi Kathy,

350 + books on the TBR shelves...I'm exhausted just thinking about that. Unread books make me nervous so I have to keep a manageable stack!

I've been meaning to read Stevi Mittman too. I've read some online stuff by her (character blog, maybe?) and it was so funny.

 Thanks for sharing your list!

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

I am getting a big to be

I am getting a big to be read pile.  Here are a small portion of what I plan on reading for 2008.

  1. Chronciles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
  2. Blood Brothers - Nora Roberts
  3. Angels & Demons - Dan Brown
  4. Deadly Sexy - Beverly Jenkins
  5. I am Legend - Richard Matheson
  6. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
  7. Kiss of Crismon - Lara Aiden
  8. New Moon - Rebecca York
  9. Tanner's Scheme - Lora Leigh
  10. Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling
  11. Scream For Me - Karen Rose
  12. Trust Me - Brenda Novak

 

Tiffany

Shigyrl30@Shelfari

Ellen, I can't wait for

Ellen, I can't wait for Gwyneth's Hightower series to come out.  I did see the pictures she put on her blog.

Tiffany

Shigyrl30@Shelfari

Reading List

I have lots of books I'm planning to read...my bff gave me a cool book where you can list your book wish list, what you're reading, favourite quotes etc....I love it!

1. The Birth House - Ami McKay

2. Stage by Stage - Jan Jones

3. 74 Seaside Avenue - Debbie Macomber

4. Whitethorn Woods - Maeve Binchy

5. Her One and Only Valentine - Trish Wylie

6. The Leopard Prince - Elizabeth Hoyt

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

8. The Art of Writing Romance - Valerie Parv

9. Inferno - Vivi Anna

10. The Space Between Us - Thrity Umrigar

 

Donna

THE SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING, Romance, March 08, Aus/NZ April 08
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com

Cool choices

Hi Tiffany,

Looks like you're an eclectic reader. I am too. I think I might like I am Legend also. Might have to look that one up.

Thanks for sharing! If I were you, I'd start with Harry Potter--those books are fantastic!

Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

I tried to steal The Birth House...

Hi Donna,

My sis got The Birth House for Christmas but she'd already read it. I tried to convince her she wanted to regift it to me on the spot but she returned it instead. Not very nice, is she? Wink

I'm a big Harry Potter fan. My younger son just started reading them--I help him out with a chapter every night and then he goes ahead on his own in the day. We're on Book 3 now. So good!

Thanks for sharing your choices.
Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

my 2008 reading choices

This year I have not picked out any particular books but I have decided to try to focus on several areas.  Last year I bounced around trying to explore all sorts of different reads. I don't have titles but I have areas I want to read.  I got so distracted last year and this year I am hoping to focus.

1. Historical Romance: Medieval 

2. Medieval anything from historical fiction to Medieval suspense and mystery 

2. Historical Romance: Westerns

3. Suspense and Romantic Suspense

4. Harlequin Romance line for short romance 

5. Medical Romance line for short romance

6. Paranormal romance including Silhouette Nocturne

7. Other historical romance

When I say historical romance, the new Steeple Hill line will be included in the time period designations 

Ellen, I read the first

Ellen, I read the first Harry Potter book last week and I am hooked. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

Tiffany

Shigyrl30@Shelfari

2008 reading lists

Paisley;

I applaud your organization. I just read mostly by whim at the time I am picking up a book from my tbr pile. Now the obtaining of books is more organized, mainly because I have several subscriptions from the Reader service.

I am glad to see Medicals on your list. I have been a Medical Subscriber since 2001, and support their publication in North America.

Best luck for your challenge in 2008.

 

Linda

Literacy is for Life!!
Instill the love for reading in our children and reward them for life!!

Here's my list....

Must Reads for 2008

I do keep a list of must reads for the year. I'm glad I read this topic because I forgot to copy my list from the old site. Here is what I have so far:

Not Even If You Begged - Francis Ray Jan 08
Tempting Clint Westmoreland - Brenda Jackson February 2008

Texas Bluff - Linda Warren Feb 08 (The final book in the Texas Hold Em series)
Her Little Black Book - Brenda Jackson April 08

Jewel - Beverly Jenkins April 08
Irresistible Forces - Brenda Jackson May 2008
Cole's Red-Hot Pursuit Brenda Jackson June 2008
Just Desserts Brenda Jackson July 2008
Her Little Black Book - Brenda Jackson

Two Grooms and a Wedding - Adrianne Byrd March 08 ((My newest favorite author. You must read the excerpt for this one) http://www.adriannebyrd.net/books/twogrooms.php  

Always A Knight - Wayne Jordan August 08

Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon (An absolute must read this year for my fellow Dark Hunter fans)

Ellen - Yes I have seen the Gwyneth Bolton's myspace blog on the Hightowers. I love Lawman Rucker. That series is definitely on my list.

Also after reading One Wild Wedding Night I have a series I also want to read before the end of the year: The Santoris of Chicago by Leslie Kelly.

Last year I kept a folder for my must reads in my challenge blog. I need to figure out what to do with my list this year. My list will surely grow but this what I have so far.

_________________________________________________
See what I read last year: http://star0925.easyjournal.com/

Hi Paisley!

Hi Paisley,

That's an ambitious and organized list! I "grew into" romance from straight Westerns by Max Brand and Louis L'Amour. I don't read many historical western romances, though. That is an excellent idea to pursue. Maybe you can drop me a line when you get some author and/or book title recommendations.

Have fun! Thanks for sharing.

Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Tiffany--Prisoner of Azkaban!!

Hi Tiffany,

In my opinion, the second Harry Potter book is the low point of the series. Number 3 (Prisoner of Azkaban) is one of my favorites but they really do get better as you go. 

Have fun!

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Reading by mood--Linda

Hi Linda,

I've never made a list like this before either. I guess the last time I did this kind of pre-planned reading was for school. It was interesting to see what I was willing to commit to. Some things I think I might like to read but I'm just not sure. It does go along with my mood and the seasons! More time in the summer when the kids are out of school.

Cheers,

Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Star--Thanks for the idea!

Hi Star,

 I remember when Gwyneth put the Hightowers up, I had such a dilemma--Lawrence or Jason. I'll have to read to find out!

Thanks for the Sherrilyn Kenyon recommendation. I've been wondering what to read first from her.

Have fun!

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

350+ TBR!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a huge TBR list. I seem to add more books than I actually read. Which is a shame, since I actually get to read quite a bit.

Ellen - She definitely has

Ellen - She definitely has some hotties listed, but it's something about Lawman's eyes and smile. Kiss

Have you read any of the Dark Hunter books? Not sure if I would suggest you start with Acheron, but I always say a great series book is one that stands alone.  

 

_________________________________________________
See what I read last year: http://star0925.easyjournal.com/

Big TBR--Mamashu

Hi Mamashu,

Do you have a TBR stack or a list? I wish I kept a list--it would make shopping easier. Although this Christmas the couple hours I spent in our little independent bookstore shopping for myself family was definitely my favorite time. I even like the way bookstores smell.

Sigh. Talk about a fantasy...

Ellen

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Star--suggestion?

Hi Star,

I haven't read any of the Dark Hunter books. I saw Ms. Kenyon at the RWA booksigning last year and I feel I need to know more. Wink

Should I start at the beginning?

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Ellen - great idea of

Ellen - great idea of developing a list - I want to think on this one a bit.  I would like to add some non-romance as well as waited for new romances.  Hmm, fun - thinking about new books. 

Cady

Stop by anytime

Hi Cady,

Stop back if you decide on some titles. Doesn't have to be 12. Certainly doesn't have to be romance. I'm a fan of romance but I read just about anything that comes along.

(For my day job, I write technical documentation so I even read that!)

Looking forward to seeing your plans,

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Kathy K - What you forgot

I guess I have to remind you..... all things JR WARD and don't forget Lora Leigh (I just ordered all her old Breed books from hubby's website) and Lara Adrian......

So many authors / so many books / so many choices. I just cataloged 376 from the TBR pile...... Hopeless.... Entirely hopeless..... glad I found you.

Jeannie

Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!

My top ..... list

1. Lara Adrian's Midnight Rising ... due out in March

2. Lora Leigh's Dawn's Awakening ...due Feb 5

3. Allison Brennan's... Killing Fear ... due Jan 29

4. Rachel Vincent's Stray..... sitting in THE PILE

5. Shiloh Walker's Hunters.... some are in THE PILE

6. Jasmine Cresswell Missing/Payback/Suspect -The Pile

7. JD Robb - whatever comes out next

8. Nora Roberts Blood Brothers .. In THE PILE

9.  Jenna McKnights Witch in the House ... IN THE PILE

10. Savannah Russe Darkwing Chronicals 3 & 4 - In the pile

11. Stephanie Laurens The Taste of Innocence & To Distraction - Pile

12. Maria Snyder's Poisen Study / Magic Study - PILE

and I could go on and on and don't know which one I will read next... I'm reading Rita Herron's Don't Say Anything right now....

 

Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!

Tiffany W

I can HIGHLY recommend The Chronicles of Narnia... I read them years ago and loved them.  Also loved Lara Adrians Kiss of Crimson and the one after that Midnight Awakening (Tegan's story).  Love Tanner's Scheme - just blogged it... am waiting for Dawn's Awakening due Feb 5, Love Karen Roses Scream for me and Brenda Novak's Trust Me.   Your new author to me Beverly Jenkins looks like she has some winners - just found them on Amazon.   Good Reading

Jeannie

Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!

LOL

   I don't know... I've got this thing for having enough books that I can find just about anything to read... but before I joined the challenge last year, my TBR was much smaller.  But then I kept reading blogs about this book and that book, this author and etc., etc., ad infinitum ~ and I was Hooked!  Of course buying these fabulous stories quickly outpaced my reading speed.  But that's okay... the only thing that I really, well I guess miss is the best word, is that I'm not re-reading near as many books as I usually do in a year.  Undecided

KaLyKo ~ I'm a readaholic and Proud of it!!

Jeannie--nice list

Hi Jeannie,

 I like your list. I'm going to look for Blood Brothers--several people recommended that. I just started reading Brenda Novak this year and I'm in love.

Thanks for sharing your ideas. I'm definitely going to look some of them up.

Cheers,

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Rereading

Hi Kathy,

I'm a rereader. We had a discussion on the Supers board about that earlier this year and I was surprised by how many people aren't. When I moved recently I culled my books. I only kept books I thought I'd read again. It was a lot of books.

I'm doing the challenge. I hope I don't get overwhelmed by good ideas. That would be what my hubby calls a high class problem. Wink

Thanks for dropping by,

Ellen 

Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website

His Secret Past Superromance May '08

Wanted Man Superromance June '07

Jeannie

UndecidedFoot in mouthSurprised  Yoiks!  How could I forget the Brothers?? or Natches .... and the rest of the Breed books that I'm waiting for... Man, Jeannie ~ it's a good thing you're around to give me a kick in the you-know-where... and it's NOT the bookshelves!  *grin*
  And I think that you have passed me with your TBR... *can I be like you when I grow upPlease??* Innocent

KaLyKo ~ I'm a readaholic and Proud of it!!

mamashu ~ huge TBR's...

... yeah.. hang around a bit.. there's a few of us bookaholics that can't seem to stop bringing the little critters into our homes. 
 But it is fun!  Smile

KaLyKo ~ I'm a readaholic and Proud of it!!

Jayejean

I am reading The Loin, Witch, and Wardrobe right now.  I was hooked on Kiss of Crismon after I read it and I have the second one in my to be read pile. I haven't had a change to read Tanner's Scheme actually I just go into the series but I read the Harmony's Way first so now I have to go back and read Megan's story.  It seems that my tbr pile is getting bigger by the second. 

 

Tiffany

Shigyrl30@Shelfari

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