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.