ARC 2011 Reading Challenge

I didn't join this reading challenge last year, probably because you had to create a list in advance of the books that you were going to read, but this year that is not required so here I come!  I'm very thankful to So Many Precious Books, So Little Time for offering to host this challenge again.  All the ARC's that are read from January 1 to December 31, 2011 will count towards this challenge.  I am going to sign up for the Bronze Level of this challenge and you can see for yourself what the various levels and rules are and sign-up here.

I will update this post as I read books for this challenge.

1. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez--Completed 1/6/2011
2. The Missionary by William Carmichael and David Lambert--Completed 1/14/2011
3. The Brave by Nicholas Evans--Completed 2/1/2011
4. Sweetie by Kathryn Magendie--Completed 2/6/2011
5. An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin--Completed 3/17/2011
6. The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry--Completed 3/22/2011
7. Night Road by Kristin Hannah--Completed 4/09/2011
8. The Girl in the Garden by Kamala Nair--Completed 4/24/2011
9. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin--Completed 5/23/2011
10. The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson--Completed 6/15/11
11. Too Jewish by Patty Friedmann--Completed 6/27/11
12. Sweet Jiminy by Kristin Gore--Completed 7/2/11
13. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See--Completed 7/17/11
14. Lamb Bright Saviors by Robert Vivian--Completed 7/25/11
15. The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen Kent--Completed 8/19/11
16. The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard--Completed 8/30/11
17. Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand--Completed 9/6/11
18. The Soldier's Wife by Elin Hilderbrand--Completed 9/10/11

So how about you?  Are you going to give it a shot?

2011 Audiobook Challenge

I'm very excited to see this challenge that is being hosted by Theresa's Reading Corner because I am listening to audio books all the time!  Seriously, I love my alone time in my car because that is when I get to listen to books, and when others are riding with me they usually do not like the experience quite as much as I!  The challenge runs from January 1st through December 31st, 2011 and here are the various levels of participation:

Curious: 3 Audio Books
Fascinated: 6 Audio Books
Addicted: 12 Audio Books
Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

So I am going to take a chance and sign up for the addicted level and try to listen to at least 12 books during 2011.  I will update this post as I complete books for this challenge.  Sound like fun to you?  You can join in the challenge at the sign-up page here.

1. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens--Completed 1/12/2011
2. The Brave by Nicholas Evans--Completed 2/1/2011
3. The Bourne Objective by Eric Van Lustbader--Completed 3/4/2011
4. An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin--Completed 3/17/2011
5. A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnday--Completed 3/31/2011
6. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson--Completed 4/15/2011
7. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson--Completed 5/9/2011
8. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley--Completed 5/29/2011
9. The Good Guy by Dean Koontz--Completed 6/10/11
10. Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith--Completed 7/1/11
11. The Camel Club by David Baldacci--Completed 8/2/11
12. Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand--Completed 9/6/11
13. To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal--Completed 10/7/11
14. The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta--Completed 10/31/11
15. One Summer by David Baldacci--Completed 11/12/11

Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

I usually find myself reading a few books throughout the year that would be considered Historical Fiction so I have decided to go ahead and sign up for this challenge for 2011.  Historical Tapestry is hosting this challenge and you should head on over to check out the rules and guidelines if you think this might interest you. 



Here are the levels of participation:

Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
Daring & Curious: 5 books
Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

So I am going to sign up for the Daring and Curious level, which means I need to read 5 Historical Fiction Books between January 1 and December 31, 2011.  I think I can do it!

I will update this post as I complete books for this challenge.

1. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez--Completed 1/6/2011
2. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran--Completed 3/4/2011
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows--Completed 3/31/2011
4. Too Jewish by Patty Friedmann--Completed 6/27/11
5. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See--Completed 7/17/11
6. The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen Kent--Completed 8/19/11
7. The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy--Completed 9/10/11

Audiobook Giveaway: Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

Thanks to Anna from Hachette I am able to give away up to 2 copies of this book!  Here is a summary of Cleopatra: A Life from the Hachette website:

Her palace shimmered with gold but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Cleopatra, the wealthiest ruler of her time and one of the most powerful women in history, was a canny political strategist, a brilliant manager, a tough negotiator, and the most manipulative of lovers. Although her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world.

At only 18 years old, Cleopatra was already one of history's most remarkable figures: the Queen of Egypt. A lethal political struggle with her brother marked her early adulthood and set the tone for the rest of her life; a relationship with Julius Caesar, forged while under siege in her palace, launched her into a deadly mix of romance and strategy; a pleasure cruise down the Nile followed, a child, and a trip to Rome, which ended in Cleopatra's flight. After Caesar's brutal murder, she began a nine-year affair with Mark Antony, with whom she had three more children. Antony and Cleopatra's alliance and attempt to forge a new empire spelled both their ends.

The subject of gossip and legend, veneration and speculation in her lifetime, Cleopatra fascinated the world right up to her death. In the 2000 years since, myths about the last Queen of Egypt have been fueled by Shakespeare, Dryden, and Shaw, who put words in her mouth, and by Michelangelo, Delacroix, and Elizabeth Taylor, who put a face to her name. In Cleopatra, Pulitzer prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff accomplishes a feat that has eluded artists and writers for centuries: capturing fully the operatic life of an exceptionally seductive and powerful woman, whose death ushered in a new world order.

Now for the giveaway!
I will be giving away one book for every 10 entries with a maximum of two audiobooks to give away.

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household, which means if you win the same title on another blog you will receive only one copy of the title.

To enter this contest you must be at least 18 and live in the U.S. or Canada. No PO Boxes please.

For one entry leave me a comment including your email address below.

For two additional entries, blog about this contest or add the link to your sidebar.

Please include your email so I will have a way to contact you if you win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as myemail.address AT gmail DOT com or myemail.address [at] gmail [dot] com.

You will have until January 29th to enter and I will draw for winners on or after January 30th.

Review: The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith

Here is a summary of The Good Husband of Zebra Drive from Alexander McCall Smith's website:

In the eighth installment of Alexander McCall Smith's endlessly enjoyable, bestselling series, the judicious Precious Ramotswe comes to discover what is true, stable, and genuine in an ever-shifting world. There is rarely a dull moment in the life of Precious Ramotswe, and on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road many changes are afoot. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni wants be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband, and Mma Makutsi is considering leaving the agency, taking her near perfect score on the Botswana Secretarial College typing exam with her. Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe has been asked to investigate a series of unexpected deaths at the hospital in Mochudi. Along the way, she encounters other tricky mysteries, and once again displays her undying love for Botswana, a country of which she is justly proud.

My Review:
This was another heart-warming installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series delivered by Alexander McCall Smith.  As all of our favorite characters are settling into their lives with the changes that have taken place in the previous books, many seem to feeling a bit of stagnation from the daily tasks that are becoming monotonous.

The mysteries within these series are usually so minimal, but they really help us to get to know the characters in a personal way.  How they go about solving these capers is really a glimpse into each one's personal being.  Mma Ramotswe is one who just sits back and pays attention while events unfold without making judgements beforehand.  While Mma Makutsi is very judgemental up front and really hasn't figured out how to work with her instincts yet.

The characters are restless in this novel as J.L.B. decides that he has more to offer to the business than being a mechanic and should have a shot at the detective work as well.  Mma Makutsi believes there is much more out in the world to offer her since she did score 97 percent at the secretarial college.  Even one of the apprentices is longing for more out of life and decides to take a chance in the business world.

I've been reading this series with my book club and we've enjoyed every one so far.  These are usually very simple stories with strong moral messages laced within the pages and I do not hesitate to recommend this series to other book clubs.  With themes of pride, obligations, Africa, and just a bit of mystery you may enjoy this book also.

My Rating:  3/5

Disclosure:  This book is from my personal collection and I read it as a book club selection for my own entertainment.

Winner of Sundays at Tiffany's!

I'm giving a big drum roll for the winner of Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson.  Without further suspense the winner is...........

Busy Working Mama

Congratulations!  I will be contacting you shortly to get your mailing information to forward to the publisher.  Thanks again to Valerie from Hachette for offering this giveaway on my blog.  Stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon!

Final Results for the 100+ Reading Challenge 2010

I was very excited to join this challenge that was hosted by  J. Kaye's Book Blog in 2010.  You may recall that I really didn't intend to read 100 books, but I just wanted to have a complete list of books that I read during the year.  So I only read a total of 51 books throughout the year and I know for many of you that is small bananas, but that is pretty darn good for me!  I'm hoping to read more than that in 2011.

Here is the complete list of books that I read during 2010 and you should be able to click on the title if I have posted my review:

1. The Cost of Dreams by Gary Stelzer--Completed 1/10/2010

2. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman--Completed 1/16/2010

3. Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful by Bon Jovi--Completed 1/17/2010

4. Matrimony by Joshua Henkin--Completed 1/27/2010

5. The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley--Completed 2/5/2010

6. Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith--Completed 2/10/2010

7. Denise's Daily Dozen by Denise Austin--Completed 2/22/2010

8. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks--Completed 2/28/2010

9. The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani--Completed 3/2/2010

10. The Circle of Friends Book V: Heather by L. Diane Wolfe--Completed 3/13/2010

11. The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris--Completed 3/14/2010

12. The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson--Completed 3/28/2010

13. The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini--Completed 3/31/2010

14. Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner--Completed 4/13/2010

15. Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani--Completed 4/17/2010

16. Where Grace Abides by BJ Hoff--Completed 4/20/2010

17. Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge--Completed 4/27/2010

18. The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova--Completed 5/17/2010

19. Black Hills by Dan Simmons--Completed 5/17/2010

20. The Age of Orphans by Laleh Khadivi--Completed 5/28/2010

21. Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons--Completed 6/1/2010

22. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith--Completed 6/2/2010

23. The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen--Completed 6/13/2010

24. Cross Country by James Patterson--Completed 6/19/2010

25. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks--Completed 6/22/2010

26. The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard Morais--Completed 6/30/2010

27. Absolute Power by David Baldacci--Completed 7/20/2010

28. 31 Bond Street by Ellen Horan--Completed 7/22/2010

29. Labor Day by Joyce Maynard--Completed 7/27/2010

30. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch--Completed 8/9/2010

31. Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods--Completed 8/30/2010

32. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker--Completed 9/1/2010

33. Finny by Justin Kramon--Completed 9/13/2010

34. The Passage by Justin Cronin--Completed 9/19/2010

35. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood--Completed 9/21/2010

36. Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson--Completed 9/24/2010

37. Things I've Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi--Completed 10/5/2010

38. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich--Completed 10/9/2010

39. The Auschwitz Violin by Maria Angels Anglada--Completed 10/12/2010

40. The Island by Elin Hilderbrand--Completed 10/28/2010

41. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent--Completed 11/1/2010

42. How to be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway--Completed 11/8/2010

43. Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro--Completed 11/9/2010

44. Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani--Completed 11/17/2010

45. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith--Completed 11/28/2010

46. The Whole Truth by David Baldacci--Completed 12/2/2010

47. Oogy by Larry Levin--Completed 12/9/2010

48. Drinking Closer to Home by Jessica Anya Blau--Completed 12/11/2010

49. The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund--Completed 12/26/2010 

50. The Swimming Pool by Holly LeCraw--Completed 12/27/2010 

51. Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah--Completed 12/28/2010 

My favorite books out of this list are the following:

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Finny by Justin Kramon

My favorite audiobooks included:

Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

Absolute Power by David Baldacci

A couple of special interest books that I enjoyed were:

Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful

Denise's Daily Dozen by Denise Austin

And then last but not least is the Christmas book that I just completed:

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

So I think that was a pretty good reading year for me and here's to surpassing 51 books read for 2011!