The 2009 Pub Challenge

Ah well, another one I can't resist LOL This time, it's 3M's 2009 Pub challenge and I figured I'd try that one because I very, very often am way behind in discovering great books - or I buy books when they're out, but don't get to read them for a looong while.

My list will follow here as I find the books:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

The year is almost over...

... (only 23 hours and 10 minutes at this very moment), and I realize how bad I've been with everything this year. No reviews (well, hardly any at least!), no regular posting, only two finished challenges (even though I've joined quite a few more), and not much else accomplished!

I'm astonished I even remembered I had this blog in the first place!

Well, I figured I might at least try to do better - much better - in 2009! But whether I succeed isn't even "written in the stars" as one would say here. Maybe I can at least manage to post once a week? I'll definitely try to accomplish that!

Oh, if someone knows how the new Google documents work and how to post a link to my reading list for the challenges on my blog, please let me know! I tried to no avail to grant you a look at my list, in case you're interested, for the past week.

Challenge-wise, 2009 will be a lot worse! By now I've signed up for almost 40 challenges, and I believe the 40 will fall some day before December 2009. I'm not sure I can complete that many challenges, but they will certainly help me broaden my reading. (I think I maybe should at least post a list of challenges I'll be doing until December 31, 2009 with links to my reading lists?)

By now, there are only 22 hours and 49 minutes left in 2008 and this means, it's late at night. I should probably go to bed now...

Romance Reading Challenge

So, since I love romance novels in many different kinds, I figured, why not join naida's Romance Reading Challenge? I mean, 5 romance novels in 2009? I sure can do that!!!



So, my tentative list is:
1) Patricia Davids: Military Daddy
2) Jill Shalvis: Flashpoint
3) Kristan Higgins: Just One Of The Guys
4) Carly Phillips: Hot Property
5) Julie James: Just The Sexiest Man Alive

Montgomery mini-challenge

Ah well, how could I possibly resist a challenge that will introduce me to a new-to-me author that qualifies as a classic auhor? L.M. Montgomery is one such author and I'm up to read or listen to four books by her, to accomplish Maria's challenge.

My tentative list is:
1) The Story Girl
2) The Golden Road
3) Chronicles of Avonlea
4)

1st In Series Challenge

What's yet another challenge, anywys, right?

So I'm joining J. Kaye's 1st In Series Challenge for 2009 and I'm already excited!



I made a tentative list for now, but I'm not sure whether the last one counts (hence the "???"). There are one or maybe even two follow up books on the main characters...

1) Suzanne Brockmann: Prince Joe (#1 in Tall, Dark & Dangerous)
2) Nalini Singh: Slave To Sensation
3) Mary Jane Maffini: Organize Your Corpses
4) Madeleine E. Robins: Point Of Honor
5) Robert Ludlum: The Bourne Identity
6) P.B. Kerr: Children Of The Lamp
7) Lori Foster: Jude’s Law
8) Ann Brashares: The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants
9) Meg Cabot: Airhead
10) Elaine Viets: Shop Till You Drop
11)
12) Carole Matthews: The Chocolate Lovers’ Club (???)

In Their Shoes Challenge

I apparently haven't posted about the In Their Shoes Challenge yet! I of course will try to read that one as well :)



The goal is to read as many memoirs, biographies and autobiographies as I want between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.

I haven't yet decided the books I will read, but one is definite already:

1) Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis 1

Cameron West: First Person Plural - My Life As A Multiple

2nds Challenge

Well, what's another challenge for 2009 anyway, right? So I decided to join J. Kaye's 2nds Challenge to read a few 2nd books by authors I just discovered.



My list is not yet all set, but I'll just list the other books as I go.

1) Jane Austen:
2) Harry Kemelman: Sunday The Rabbi Stayed Home
3) Jessica Fletcher: Manhattans & Murder
4) Marion Chesney: Hasty Death
5) Elaine Viets: Shop Till You Drop
6) Camy Tang: Only Uni
7) Charlotte Bronte:
8) John Steinbeck:
9) Carrie Vaughn: Kitty Goes To Washington
10) Robert Fate: Baby Shark’s Beaumont Tales
11) Stephenie Meyer: New Moon
12)

20 Books In 2009 Challenge

So, I will participate in the 20 Books In 2009 Challenge - I think that way I'll be able to at least finish one challenge!

My finished books will be added below as I go on reading:

1) Oscar Wilde: A Woman of No Importance
2) Patricia Davids: Military Daddy
3) Meg Cabot: Jinx
4) Vicki Myron: Dewey
5) Marie Ferrarella: Protecting His Witness
6) Natalie Anderson: Bought - One Night, One Marriage
7) Linwood Barclay: No Time For Goodbye
8) Suzanne Brockmann: Prince Joe
9) Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis 1
10) Johann Maier: Judentum & Judentum - Reader
11) Jill Shalvis & Jacquie D'Alessandro & Jamie Sobrato: Heating Up The Holidays
12) Merline Lovelace: Devlin and the Deep Blue Sea
13) Marie Ferrarella: The Bride With No Name
14) Rutu Modan: Exit Wounds
15) Naomi Alderman: Disobedience
16) MaryJanice Davidson: Undead and Unappreciated
17) Nalini Singh: Slave to Sensation

Books Into Movies (and vice versa) Challenge

And last, but definitely not least is the challenge that was inspired by the movie "The Wedding Date": The Books Into Movies Challenge! Obviously, the goal would be to read 2+ books that were made into movies (and, if possible, watch the movie). This can be Shakespeare's plays, Austen's novels (I'm sure some of you know the wonderful BBC movies?), or newer movies like The Wedding Date (after Liz Young's Asking For Trouble)! Actually, even He's Just Not That Into You would count, now that it is being made into a movie...

Serendipity made two great banners for the challenge:





When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books made into a movie or books that relate to TV series (Murder She Wrote and the likes).

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

My tentative list:
1) Liz Young: Asking For Trouble
2) Jessica Fletcher: Manhattans & Murder


The participants are:
1) Kathrin
2) Sherrie
3) Yvonne
4) Judy (Intergalactic Bookworm)
5) Jenny
6) blondierocket
7) Serendipity
8) Kisha
9) Nely
10) Kris@Bookheart
11) Strixaluco
12) Audra
13) Diane (bookinhand)
14) Lulu
15) rickandlena
16) Teddy
17) Joy
18) californiameaghan
19) Jan in Edmonds
20) Kelly

And here are the first reviews:
1) Teddyree - Marley & Me
2) Nely: Blindness
3) Nely: Where The Heart Is
4) Nely: The Reader
5) Nely: Christmas Jars
6) Nely: Confessions Of A Shopaholic
7) Teddyree: Dead Until Dark
8) Yvonne: Nights In Rodanthe
9) Nely: The Boy In The Striped Pajamas
10) Nely: He's Just Not That Into You
11) Nely: Stardust
12) Sherrie: Secret Life Of Bees
13) Sherrie: The Boy In The Striped Pajamas
14) Joy: The Age Of Innocence
15) Joy: Cover Her Face
16) Joy: Hotel Du Lac
17) Nely: The City Of Ember
18) Teddyree: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
19) Yvonne: Confessions Of A Shopaholic
20) rickandlenamedina: Angels & Demons
21) Lena: The Time Traveler's Wife

If you're up for a shorter time frame to complete the challenge and/or want to do this challenge later in the year check out Callista's blog - sometime in August 2009 she should have infos on her challenge up!

Military Challenge 2009

There are so many books out there that somehow are about Military. Be it a book with one of the main characters a military man (like Susan Brockman's Troubleshooter series, among many others), one about the wives (for example Tanya Biank's Army Wives: The Unwritten Code of Military Marriages), a book on the military in any way, even non-fiction (I'm thinking of Claudia J. Kennedy's Generally Speaking, to name one).
So why not try to read two or more of them?

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books about the military in any way in 2009, that's it. It's fairly easy, I think.

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

ETA: Book Dragon created a great banner for this challenge:



My tentative list is:
1) Patricia Davids: Military Daddy
2) Suzanne Brockmann: Prince Joe

The participants:
1) Kathrin
2) Judy (Intergalactic Bookworm)
3) Book Dragon
4) Book Dragon

Agatha Christie Challenge

Well, who hasn't heard about Dame Agatha Christie yet? She's an awesome writer with a fascinating history and it'll take me a good couple more years to be able to say I've finished all her books... With the exeption for the Tommy & Tuppence Beresford books for me, as I don't like them too much.

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books by or about Dame Agatha in 2009, that's it. It's fairly easy, I think.

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

My tentative list contains:
1) Agatha Christie: Murder On The Links
2) Agatha Christie: They Do It With Mirrors


The participants are:
1) Kathrin
2) Sue Fitz
3) Judy (Intergalactic Bookworm)
4) Jenny
5) Lynda
6) krin
7) Stina
8) Margot
9) anjikan
10) Hermie's Mom
11) Scribacchina

If you're up for more Agatha Christie challenges, check out Kerrie's blog or Jeff's blog. They're not official challenges, but both are trying to read all the works of Agatha Christie in publication order.
Also, I'm still trying to find out whether Joy from Thoughts of Joy will do another Anything Agatha challenge in 2009.

Paranormal Challenge

I'll try to do the Paranormal Challenge for 2009. I will do it alone, but if you're interested, let me know. I'd love to have some company!

What?
For the challenge you will read books with paranormal aspects - this can be werewolves, vampires, fairies, witches, ghosts, mediums, psychics etc. It's pretty much your pick!

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books in 2009, that's it. It should be manageable, I'd say

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

My list:
1) MaryJanice Davidson: Undead And Unappreciated
2) Nalini Singh: Slave To Sensation

EDIT:
Of course I read more, but I'll leave it at that for the list.

The participants are:
1) Kathrin
2) Lindy
3) Sally906
4) Jenny
5) Kisha
6) Lynda
7) Aerin
8) Eliza Osborn
9) Kris
10) Yvonne
11) Gabby
12) Lulu
13) Tracee
14) Shalyn
15) Linda Ellen
16) Abby_Colina

The posts:
1) Lynda's summary
2) Linda Ellen's summary
3) Kris' summary
4) Yvonne's summary
5) Kelly's summary

Vampire Challenge

While I was thinking about challenges, I came up not only with the Pages Read Challenge, but also with 5 (!!!) other challenges. And for some really, really crazy reason, I've decided to try to pull them all off for 2009!

So this one is the Vampire Challenge (stupid name, I know!). And I hope that with 3 one-word questions, I can answer most of the questions.

What?
For the Vampire Challenge you will read books with vampires - romance, YA, paranormal, mysteries - anything, as long as there's a or two (or more) vampire in it.

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books with vampires in 2009, that's it. It's fairly easy, I think. For some inspiration check out my post on vampires in books.

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

My now finished list:
1) MaryJanice Davidson: Undead and Unappreciated
2) Yuna Kagesaki: Cheeky Vampire Vol. 7-8
3) Rachel Caine: Glass Houses
4) D.D. Barrant: Dying Bites
5) MaryJanice Davidson: Undead and Unreturnable
6) P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast: Marked


The participants are:
1) Kathrin
2) Sally906
3) Jenny
4) blondierocket
5) Lindy
6) Lynda
7) Tina
8) Scrap girl
9) Gabby
10) Megan
11) Tracee
12) Lulu
13) Julie
14) Medical Librarian
15) "Confuzzled" Shannon
16) J. Kaye
17) Irish
18) drey
19) Valorie
20) Amy
21) Cheryl
22) BecauseImTheMommy
23) debbiesworld
24) Ruth Schaller
25) Wesley Alison
26) Cheryl
27) DeSeRtRoSe
28) rigal11
29) Bunnitaz
30) Rasberrywrlgirl
31) Jodie
32) Tena
33) The Ravenour Reader
34) sunnysmileqt
35) Movie Maven
36) Cheryl
37) Lissa
38) The Book Resort
39) Rhinoa
40) Cinnamon
41) Trisha
42) Jaxxy
43) JennJ
44) vampchick95
45) Leslie
46) Patti
47) raidergirl3


ETA: I finally created a post for the challenge reviews. You can find it here!

Pages Read Challenge

Well, I've been thinking about a few challenge ideas for a couple days now. One of them is a challenge I've done in 2006: the Pages Read Challenge!

The rules for this challenge are simple: First, you choose on a certain number of pages you want to read in 2009. And then you must read! And you must keep track of how many pages you are reading. Update your journal entry every week, every month or whatever works for you. Don't forget to tell us how many pages you hope to read and we'll all keep our fingers crossed that you reach that goal.

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
List all the books and other stuff you read with the pages and add up the pages as you go. If it's an e-book, please check Amazon or B&N for the page number. To get the number of pages for each book, just check out the last page with text from the book and take the number written on there. Just ignore all the blank pages throughout the book. This is, after all, for fun, not to stress about counting pages ;)

To sign up, please leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

So, my goal for 2009 will be 20,000 pages!

EDIT:
As I reached 20,000+ pages with Yasushi Inoue's Memoirs of the Priest Honkaku, I dare say I completed this challenge.

The participants are:
1) Kathrin - 20,000
2) Sue Fitz -
3) Lindy - 100,000
4) Judy (Intergalactic Bookworm) - 20,000
5) Sherrie - 50,000
6) Patty - 50,000
7) Rowena
8) Kisha - 45,000
9) Aerin - 15,000
10) Yooperchick - 30,000
11) Kris@Bookheart - 10,000
12) Challengingthebookworm - 50,000
13) Tracee
14) Kim - 25,000
15) Matthew - 15,000
16) Book Dragon - 80,000
17) DeSeRtRoSe - 10,000
18) Jan in Edmonds - 20,000
19) Kristi - 30,000
20) Lindy (Grilsgood)
21) Sandra - 40,000
22) Scribacchina - 15,000
23) Melissa - 30,000
24) Kelly - 25,000
25) Patti - 20,000
26) Veronika - 10,000-12,000

Graphic Novel Challenge 2009

So, one more can't be such a big difference now, can it? So I'll join the Graphic Novel Challenge for 2009 as well.



My definite list is:
1) Art Spiegelman: Maus 2
2) Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis 1
3) Rutu Modan: Exit Wounds

I will probably pick my other 3 graphic novels (I'm doing the minor version) from the following list:
1) Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis 2
2) Harvey Pekar: The Quitter
3) Adrian Tomine: Summer Blonde
4) Daniel Clowes: Ghost World
5) Will Eisner: A Contract With God
6) Alison Bechdel: Fun Home – A Family Tragicomic
7) Seth: It’s A Good Live, If You Don’t Weaken
8) Peter Kuper: Stop Forgetting To Remember
9) James Vance: Kings In Disguise
10) J.M. DeMatteis: Brooklyn Dreams
11) Bryan Talbot: Alice In Sunderland
12) Kyle Baker: Why I Hate Saturn
13) Andi Watson: Slow News Day
14) Joss Whedon & Georges Jeanty: Buffy

Themed Reading Challenge 2009

Among other challenges, I also stumbled over the 2009 version of the Themed Reading Challenge. With the first TRC I was at a loss what theme to choose, but this time, I have an idea!



For my "Sisters in Writing" theme, I will read one book each of the Bronte Sisters.
1) Anne Bronte:
2) Charlotte Bronte:
3) Emily Bronte:

And my second theme will most likely be "English-speaking authors about Europe". I'm not yet sure which 2+ books I will read for that, but I'm thinking about Stephen Clarke's A Year In The Merde.
4)
5)

Or I'll pick "married writers" as a theme. In that case I'll most likely read
4) Paul Auster: The City Of Glass
5) Siri Hustvedt: What I Loved

2009 Suspense & Thriller Reading Challenge

So, how can I possibly refuse to try the Suspense and Thriller Challenge J. Kaye is hosting??? If you now say it is impossible, you're absolutely right!



My list will follow here (I should have one at the end of this month):
1) Victoria Laurie: Crime Seen (Amateur Detective mystery)
2) J.D. Robb: (Futuristic mystery)
3) Robert Fate: Baby Shark’s Beaumont Tales (Hard-boiled mystery)
4) Rhys Bowen: Death Of Riley (Historical mystery)
5) Tess Gerritsen: (Medical thriller)
6) (Military thrillers)
7) Vince Flynn: (Political thriller)
8) Sue Grafton: (P.I. mystery)
9) (Religious or Romantic thriller)
10) Richard Montanari: (Serial Killer thriller)
11) Robert Ludlum: The Bourne Identity (Spy thriller)
12) (Terrorist thriller)

My Year Of Dangerously Reading 2009

Since this year, the rules for this challenge have been slightly altered, I'll take part in it. I have quite a few books I'm intimidated by nd there are also books I've bought, but never got around to read...

This is my tentative list:
1) Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis
2) Dante Alighieri: La Divina Commedia
3) Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)

Lost In Translation 2009

How can I resist all those wonderful challenges out there? Someone please help me!

I'll take part in Lost In Translation 2009 - I think it's a fun idea!


My list will follow here:
1) Donna Kauffman: The Cinderella Rules (English to German)
2) Lauren Weisberger: The Devil Wears Prada (English to German)
3) Nora Roberts: Red Lilies (English to German)
4) K.A. Applegate: (English to German)
5) Naomi Alderman: Disobedience (English to German)
6) Nalini Singh: Slave to Sensation (English to German)

Decades Challenge 2009

So, I have not yet made up my mind about the exact books I will be reading for the Decades Challenge 2009, but I am pretty sure my list will be ready before January 1st.



I'll post the books below:
1) Jane Austen: Lady Susan (1794)
2) Jane Austen: Pride & Prejudice (1809)
3) Jane Austen: Emma (1814)
4) Agatha Christie: Murder On The Links (1923)
5) Stendahl: Le Rouge Et Le Noir (1830)
6) Bronte: (184X)
7) Charlotte Bronte: The Professor (1857)
8) Charles Dickens: Great Expectations (1860/1861) or Victor Hugo: Les Miserables (1862)
9) Jules Verne: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1870) or Jules Verne : Around The World In 80 Days (1873) or Louisa Mae Alcott: Rose In Bloom (1976) or George Eliot: Daniel Deronda (1876) or Mark Twain: The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer (1876) or Henry James: Daisy Miller (1878) or Harriet Beecher Stowe: Poganuc People; Their Loves And Lives (1878) or Leo Tolstoy: Anna Karenina (1878) or J.W. Goethe: Iphigenie Auf Tauris (1781) or Friedrich Schiller: Die Räuber (1781) or Friedrich Schiller: Kabale Und Liebe (1784) or Mary Wollstonecroft: Mary, A Fiction (1788)

100+ Reading Challenge 2009

I've decided to join a few more challenges - maybe I'm addicted, but I figured the more challenges I joined the bigger is my chance of actually finishing a few...

One of them is the 100+ Reading Challenge, which should be manageable for me. After all, I'm simply supposed to read 100+ books!



A complete list of my finished books can be found here. I finished it!

And more challenges...

... because it is fun joining them and picking books :)

There's Rhinoa's Manga Challenge, which will be fun and easy for me, I think.
My list will slowly develop here:
1) Eun-Ah Park: Sweet & Sensitive 4
2) Eun-Ah Park: Sweet & Sensitive 5
3) Maki Minami: Special A Vol.1-3
4) Gosho Aoyama: Case Closed Vol.15-18
5) Yuna Kagesaki: Cheeky Vampire Vol. 7-8
6) Tomoko Hayakawa: Perfect Girl Vol.6-9

Then there's Eva's World Citizen Challenge, for which I've decided to take on the World Citizen 101 class. That means I "only" have to read one book, but I may up it, if I have enough time for "fun reading".
The book(s) will be listed here:
1)

And as an additional, for some fun, I'll try to do J.Kaye's YA Challenge.
My list will appear here:
1) Meg Cabot: Jinx
2) Meg Cabot: How To Be Popular
3) Rachel Caine: Glass Houses
4) Nick Sagan: Idlewild
5) Jay Asher: 13 Reasons Why
6) Meg Cabot: The Princess Diaries 9
7) Cassandra Clare: City of Bones
8) Gareth P. Jones: The Thornthwaite Inheritance
9) P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast: Marked
10)
11)
12)

Series Challenge Season 3 - my list

So, I'm in the middle of making up my lists for all the challenges, but I just realized I didn't even have a post for my list for the challenge I host! How can that be?

Well, this is the post and here comes my (most likely incomplete) list:
1) Robert Fate: Baby Shark's Beaumont Blues(#2 Baby Shark)
2) Robert Fate: Baby Shark's High Plains Redemption (#3 Baby Shark)
3)
4)
5)

two more challenge for 2009

So, now that I found out that the Audiobook Challenge doesn't require me to create my list of reads upfront, I'll also definitely take part in that challenge.
I have an account with Audible and am on a plan where I get two audio books each month. In the past 5 months, I didn't get around to listen to all the books I got and I want to get back on track with that.

I'll add my list for this challenge here:
1) Linwood Barclay: No Time For Goodbye
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)

And the second challenge I'll try to do is Kim's Amateur Sleuth Challenge 2009, which she'll host at A Novel Challenge.
The guidelines are:
1) Read 12 books featuring an amateur sleuth.
2) Each sleuth must have a different vocation or hobby ie shopping, cooking, writing, advice column, crafts store, school psychologist, gardening, remodeling, etc.
3) Can be first in series or else where.
4) Can be cross used for other challenges.

My list - at least a tentative one:
1) Agatha Christie: The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side

2) Alice Kimberly: The Ghost And The Femme Fatale
3) Jessica Fletcher: Manhattans & Murder
4) Victoria Laurie: Crime Seen
5) Victoria Laurie: Demons Are A Ghoul’s Best Friend
6) Marion Chesney: Hasty Death
7) Anna Maclean: Louisa And The Missing Heiress
8) Elizabeth Peters: The Mummy Case
9) Mary Jane Maffini: Organize Your Corpses
10) Madeleine E. Robins: Point Of Honor
11) Elaine Viets: Shop Till You Drop
12) Harry Kemelman: Sunday The Rabbi Stayed Home

more challenges for 2009

So, aside from the Series Challenge, I picked my challenges for 2009!

I picked the following 5 challenges:

The Jewish Literature Challenge starting December 21, 2008 and ending April 27, 2009












My list of books will follow here:
1) Johann Maier: Judentum
2) Naomi Alderman: Disobedience
3) Kizzur Shulchan Aruch
4) Harry Kemelman: Sunday The Rabbi Stayed Home
(Chaim Potok: The Chosen)

Then there's the Casual Classics Challenge all throughout 2009.
My picks are the following:
1) Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre
2) Jane Austen: Mansfield Park
3) Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights
4) Oscar Wilde: A Woman Of No Importance

Then there's the Read Your Own Books Challenge in 2009. I really need to decrease my Mount TBR, so I'll participate in that one as well.
I have yet to create a list for that one, but once I'm done it will follow here:
1) Jane Austen: Emma
2) Oscar Wilde: A Woman Of No Importance
3) William Shakespeare: Hamlet
4) Patricia Davids: Military Daddy

Of course, I can't pass on the Shakespeare Challenge for 2009!
For that one, as well, I have yet to make my list, but it will be posted here once I'm done:
1) Shakespeare's Sonnets
2) William Shakespeare: Hamlet
3)
4)
5)
6)

And last, but not least, I figured the TBR Challenge Lite would be a nice addition. So my list will follow here:
1) Jane Austen: Emma
2) Jane Austen: Mansfield Park
3) Chaim Potok: The Chosen
4) William Shakespeare: Hamlet
5) Harry Kemelman: Sunday The Rabbi Stayed Home
6) Katie MacAlister: Sex And The Single Vampire

Note to myself

Here's a note to myself:

Don't ever (!!!) add books on a challenge list without checking their availability first!

In case you wonder why: I wrote down three books for the series challenge that simply are not available at a decent prize.
First off, there are the two Zetsuai books, that are only available used and for twice what they used to cost. And then, there's Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club, which I'll have to buy (completely out of my usual habit) in English. That means it will certainly look weird on my bookshelf (I try to get my books in the same language and from the same publisher).

Now I'll have to see whether I can somehow get a hold of the Zetsuai books, and if not, I'll just try to read as many other books as possible, even though I won't be able to finish the challenge.

Series Challenge Season 2 - the reviews

Please add a link to your reviews (please add book title and your name in the "your name" section) with the help of the form below:

possible reading list

Well, I've had some time to think about which books I want to read for the two new challenges I joined and made a (not yet final?) decision.

For the Chick Lit Challenge I want to read:
Camy Tang: Sushi For One?
Sophie Kinsella: The Undomestic Goddess or Shopaholic & Baby
Kate White: If Looks Could Kill
Rachel Gibson: Tangled Up In You
Susan Elizabeth Phillips: Dream A Little Dream or Natural Born Charmer


For the Medical Mystery Challenge I want to read:
Robin Cook: Virus
Tess Gerritsen: Vanish
Tess Gerritsen: Harvest or Life Support

Medical Mystery Challenge

Well, I can't resist, I have another new challenge that I joined. It's again one of Debi's: the Medical Mystery Challenge!

My picks for this challenge will be posted in a few days at the latest!

new challenge

There I go... I wanted to limit myself to 3 challenges this year - mostly because I know myself and I know that I can't read so many books besides those I have to read for university, but how could I say no to the Chick Lit Challenge Debi will be hosting?!?

I am not yet sure which books exactly I will be reading, but I already have two or three authors I intend to read:
Rachel Gibson, Jennifer Weiner and (maybe) Sophie Kinsella
Everything else is still open, but I hope to decide on the titles I want to read within the next few days :)

Series Challenge Season 2 - possible reads

Well, it took me a bit to compile my list of books I might read for the 2nd season of the Series Challenge. I had to first update my Excel spreadsheet to see what series I have going and how far I am with them. After all, I wouldn't want to plan to read 3 series with over 10 unread books each ;-)

So, I have made a first list of series I would like to finish for this season. Of course, as we have one month before the challenge starts, I might finish up one or tow of these series, so it's not yet my final list...

I plan to read:

India Ink: Bath & Body (1 left)
Victoria Laurie: Abby Cooper, Private Eye (1 left)
Victoria Laurie: M.J. Holliday (1 left)
Susan Conant & Jessica Conant Park: Chloe Carter (2 left)
Tess Gerritsen: Maura Isles & Jane Rizzoli (2 left)
Minami Ozaki: Zetsuai (2 left)
Emilie Richards: Aggie Sloan Wilcox (2 left)
P.J. Tracy: Monkeewrench (2 left)
Meg Cabot: The Princess Diaries (3 left)

Series Challenge Season 2

Well, I obviously won't succeed with the first Series Challenge, but I guess 19 books was a bit too much. At least I finished up 3 of the series I had started, so I count it as a small victory anyway!

But as I still have over 70 series going, I think it is a good idea to do as I already sort-of announced when setting up the first Series Challenge:

Here is officially the 2nd Season!!!

Again, the challenge will be for 6 months, from June 1st, 2008 until November 30th, 2008. And the rules are:

1. There is no set number of books you have to read, you just have to read the books so that you are all up-to-date with the series.

2. Post your review of the books on your blog, no matter how long.

3. Post a link to your reviews with the Mr Linky that I will set up as soon as this challenge starts.

4. Always remember this is for fun!


To sign up, please use the form below:

update on challenges

My reading is more than slow this year, but I'm still trying to keep up as good as possible with the three challenges I chose for 2008 (well, 4 as I will certainly host a second round of the series challenge ;-) ).

Anyway, I created a document for you all to view so that you can check up on my progress. Sometimes I need some time to write the review...
You can view the document here.

As a short addition: The titles in italics are the ones I already read...

The Picture of Dorian Gray

I finished the third book of those that have been recommended to me maybe two weeks ago. The first two were German, so I'll need a bit with the reviews (not that they'd be too interesting as both books are only available in German).

Upon seeing his own striking portrait Dorian Gray is bewitched and offers his soul if only the painting will age while he remains eternally youthful. Believing himself incorruptible, Dorian indulges in a life of pleasure and excess. But what has become of his portrait?

It was the first time for me to read this novel even though it is a classic and I'm a comparative lit major *blush* I read many other classics, but for some reason I never got around to read this one because from hearing about the story line (both of the book and the various movie versions) I didn't think it would be a book I'd be interested in reading. For some reason, I wasn't interested in the "young good-looking man trades his soul for eternal youth" plot. I guess I was simply too young at that time and my negative sentiments stayed with me until now.

This time, though, I was fascinated by the idea of trading one's soul for never-ending youth. I can't imagine every thinking about it, but the idea is one that must have crossed a few people's minds already. If one had the money like Dorian and nothing one did would show in our face, no sorrow, no pain, nothing - would it be worth it? Would it be worth losing one's soul?

Personally, I doubt it, as I feel the "learning-effect" of bad actions would get lost - and even more important, isn't it something we earn, the wrinkles and scars. They tell our story, the story of our life. They become part of us as we grow older, as we live.

Shinshi Doumei Cross

I finally managed to be up-to-date with the first manga series for the series challenge:

Shinshi Doumei Cross - The Gentlemen's Alliance by Arina Tanemura

Arina Tanemura has a few really wonderful series out, but this is the first one I am now up-to-date as it is my favorite so far.
The main character is Haine Otomiya, a student at the "Royal Academy", a very expensive private academy, where classes are set up in three categories, depending on the students' family's wealth. The higher the category they belong to, the more privileges they enjoy, but only one student is in the gold category, the highest one - Togu Shizumasa. He is the student council president and school leader, called "The Emperor". It happens to be he, whom Haine is enamored with, but since she belongs to the bronze category only, she has to work hard to earn money. That way, he stays far away for her, even though she tries to get closer to him.

I have now read the first 7 volumes and I can only hope it won't take too long for the next one to be translated and published. Whenever I read one of the volumes out already, I fell right back into the story of Haine and Shizumasa-sama (-sama is the way highky respected people in Japan are addressed) and all the other characters. It is a lovely story and I hope it'll continue for a while.

My ratings for the first 7 volumes were A- for all of them.

Blogging Tips Meme

I had been tagged with this meme by Laura almost 6 months ago and only now realized it *blush*

So here I go:

It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.)

Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers. Try to make your tip general.

After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends!

Just think - if 10 people start this and the 10 people pass it on to another 10 people, you have 100 links already!

1. Look, read, and learn. ***** http://www.neonscent.com/

2. Be EXCELLENT to each other. ** http://www.bushmackel.com/

3. Don’t let money change ya! * http://www.therandomforest.info/

4. Always reply to your comments. ******** http://chattiekat.com/

5. Link liberally — it keeps you and your friends afloat in the Sea of Technorati. ** http://chipsquips.com/

6. Don’t give up - persistence is fertile. ** http://www.velcro-city.co.uk/

7. Give link credit where credit is due. **** http://www.sfsignal.com/

8. Pictures say a thousand words and can usually add to any post. **** http://scifichick.com/

9. Visit all the bloggers that leave comments for you - it's nice to know who is reading! ** http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/

10. Thrown in something humorous occasionally, to keep things fun.* http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/

11. Sometimes, less is more. Step back and look at your blog - is it too busy? Are there enough pictures to make it interesting? Think about how a visitor would perceive your blog - making it visitor-friendly will help get you return visits. ** http://mrstreme.livejournal.com

12. Keep in mind that people might be using a feed reader (Bloglines, Google Reader, etc.) to keep up with your blog. This means they see your posts, but not that gorgeous new design template, or your completely redesigned sidebars. So if you change your blog's "look and feel," write a post about it to let everyone know! * http://laura0218.livejournal.com

13. Don't put pressure on yourself when blogging. If there's nothing to write, don't worry, if you don't have the time to write, don't worry. If necessary, maybe write down a time and day each week that you want to use for blogging and blogging only. http://cozymurders.blogspot.com/

Now, it's my turn to tag some blog authors. I came up with 10, but if you're reading this and aren't listed, don't be hurt ... consider yourself TAGGED!

Andi - Estella's Revenge
Kris - not enough books
Stephanie's Confessions Of A Book-a-holic
Wendy - Literary Feline
Meghan - Recreational Reading
Amy - The Sleepy Reader
Alisia - Book Haven
Lesa - Lesa's Book Critiques
Becky - Reading With Becky
Marg - Reading Adventures

#8 The Spaniard's Pregnancy Proposal

Number: 8
Title: The Spaniard's Pregnancy Proposal
Author: Kim Lawrence
Finished: 01/15/08
Pages: 156
Genre: romance

Language: German

Where The Book Came From: from Grandma

First Sentence: Fleur Stewart listened to the morningly bird twitter, before opening her eyes.

Cover Blurb: Antonio's surprisingly sensual birthday kiss burns so hot, it takes Fleur's breath away. But she tries with all her power to supress her feelings for the charismatic Spanish billionair. A man like him - darling of the yellow press and famous playboy - certainly isn't the right one for a simple teacher like her. But what are the best intentions for against the all-consuming fire of passion? Without wanting it, she is drawn more and more towards Antonio...

Additional comment: For some reason those cover blurbs get worse and worse *sigh*

Rating: B

#7 The Greek Tycoon's Baby

Number: 7
Title: The Greek Tycoon's Babay
Author: Lynne Graham
Finished: 01/15/08
Pages: 35
Genre: romance

Language: romance

Where The Book Came From: from Grandma

First Sentence: Susie Marshall believes she is followed by bad luck when she discovers who is the new owner of Devlin Systems, the company she works for at the reception: Leos Kiriakos, the man with whom she had a passionate affair.

Comments: (due to the fact that it was actually more of a short story that came with #6, I am trying to remember what the story line was about here) When the new owner of Devlin Systems, Leos Kiriakos, arrives at the company's building, and Susie Marshall, the woman who had an affair with him. When he promotes her to be his personal assistant, she's even more afraid he might discover her secret...

Rating: B

#6 Master of Pleasure

Number: #6
Title: Master of Pleasure
Author: Penny Jordan
Finished: 01/14/08
Pages: 156
Genre: romance

Language: German

Where The Book Came From: from Grandma

First Sentence: Flondly Sasha watched her nine-year-old twin sons.

Cover Blurb: Sasha is young and beautiful, but full of fear - fear of the revenge of the man she once loved so much gabriel Calbrini, who now comes back into her live as the legal guardian to her two young sons. Gabriel never forgave her for leaving him - having to leave him. But when they meet again at the bright green sea at Sardinia'swild-romantic coast, their hot passion flames up again...

Rating: B

#5 Prince's Passion

Number: 5
Title: Prince's Passion
Author: Carole Mortimer
Finished: 01/13/08
Pages: 156
Genre: romance

Language: German

Where The Book Came From: from Grandma

First Sentence: "And what did your author say to my offer this time?"

Cover Blurb: What an amazing man: breathtakingly attractive, blessed with success and charming. Juliet is fascinated with director Nik Prince on first sight, when she meets him at an exclusive party in London. Turbulently, she answers his flirt and agrees to meet him again. Never before did she fall in love this passionately, but obviously it isn't the right man. Does Nik try to get the rights for a screenplay? Juliet has to find out what he really wants from her...

Rating: B

#4 Keeping Baby Secret

Number: 4
Title: Keeping Baby Secret
Author: Beverly Barton
Finished: 01/10/08
Pages: 156
Genre: romance

Language: German

Where The Book Came From: from Grandma

First Sentence: Lurleen watched Jim Isbell, who sat across the table, carefully.

Cover Blurb: Sweet desire, hours of passion - only an affair. Without remorse, Frank and Lurleen go their own ways after hot nights. Even when nine months later, Lurleen holds her baby in her arms, she doesn't think about tying Frank to her with their son. But then little Andrew is kidnapped! Desperate, Lurleen turns to Frank, who already solved the most difficult cases as a federal agent. Because now she needs him like she never needed a man in her life before...

Reason For Reading: I can't concentrate on much right now :-(

Rating: B

another couple memes part 10

You Have Not Been Ruined by American Culture

You're nothing like the typical American. In fact, you may not be American at all. You have a broad view of the world, and you're very well informed. And while you certainly have been influenced by American culture (who hasn't?), it's not your primary influence. You take a more global philosophy with your politics, taste, and life. And you're always expanding and revising what you believe.

Has American Culture Ruined You?

Well, I AM German, after all ;)

another couple memes part 9

You Are 20% Left Brained, 80% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Sounds quite a bit like me...

another couple memes part 8

Your Mind is PG-13 Rated

Your mind is definitely a little dirty. You're naughty, but not trashy. You don't shy away from a dirty joke, and you're clearly not a prude.

Do You Have a Dirty Mind?

Sounds fair, don't you think so?

another couple memes part 7

You are a Romantic Realist

Okay, so you fall in the middle. You know that love isn't like a greeting card... Yet you can always find a greeting card to describe your feelings. You are the best of both worlds Girly yet independent, dreamy yet serious. Almost any guy can find balance with you.

Are You a Romantic or Realistic Girl?

another couple memes part 6

What Your Pizza Reveals

There are no limits to your eating. You often devour the scraps your friends can't finish. You consider pizza to be bread... very good bread. You fit in best in the Midwest part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are dependable, loyal, and conservative with your choices. You are a flavorful and bold person. You should consider traveling to Spain. The stereotype that best fits you is geek. You're the type most likely to order pizza to avoid leaving your computer.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

And now you want to know what I like on my pizza, yes? :-P

another couple memes part 5

Your English Skills:

Spelling: 80% Grammar: 60% Punctuation: 60% Vocabulary: 20%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

I can live with that result because I've never heard two of the words they asked in the vocabulary section :-)

another couple memes part 4

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

another couple memes part 3

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage pessimistically. You don't think happy marriages exist anymore. In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Well, I'd like to argue about one of those remarks above... No, actually rather two or three! ;-)

another couple memes part 2

You Act Like You Are 31 Years Old

You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! You're responsible, wise, and have enough experience to understand a lot of the world. You're at the point in your life where you understand yourself pretty well. You are figuring out what you want... and how to get it!

What Age Do You Act?

Yikes! I'm older than I thought!!!

another couple memes part 1

Okay, I admit it, I'm sooo procrastinating right now! I should be preparing a paper and oral report right now - something I have to at least have halfway ready by tomorrow! Or at least write the reviews for the 3 books I read so far this year (nothing too fancy, two romance novels and a play for university), but here I am, answering memes... LOL

Your Birthdate: April 10

Independent and dominant, you tend to be the alpha dog in most situations. You're very confident, and hardly anything ever shakes you. Mundane tasks tend to drain you - you prefer to be making great plans. You are quite original. When people don't "get" you, it bothers you a lot. Your strength: Your ability to gain respect Your weakness: Caring too much what others think Your power color: Orange-red Your power symbol: Letter X Your power month: October

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

What's in a name?

What Kathrin Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

The interesting thing is, that part of this actually is true about me :-)