Another year another 75 (hopefully) Carrie aka cal8769 strikes again.

Hello all. Thanks Brenda for letting me know this group was up and running!

Welcome back!

Thanks! I enjoy this group so much!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Carrie!!

1. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
Own, reread, 4 stars

got ya! heres to another year :)

Thanks Amber and Roni. Happy New Year!

Brenda, this is going to be the year I get back on track! 75 here I come.

Happy New Year cal! I'm going to try to get back on track this year too. :)

Happy New Year, Carrie!

Thanks Terri! Great to see you here. Have a great new year!

starred

Kath! Hello, my friend!

Why do I do this to myself!? I am reading 6 books at once. I always read 2 or 3 but somehow I ended up with 6! Does anyone else do this? Here's what I have going on..
1. Gracie by George Burns
2. The Lovers by John Connolly
3. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
4. The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough
5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
6. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
At least I am enjoying most of them. Gracie isn't really doing it for me but it isn't too bad. Thankfully I am reading an abridged version. LOL

I never do that, ok except when I start a book and a better book comes in, and when I started a series and I'm not ready to leave that world but started a shorter book only to be annoyed because I wanted to be back in the other world

Heh

>15 cal8769: Well, yeah. I have 14+ going right now...

Also, I really enjoyed The Johnstown Flood - I hope you do, too!

Amber!!! How do you do it? I want to stop all the others and just read one but I like them all so much. :)

I am really enjoying The Johnstown Flood. Johnstown is very close to where I live and I have been there many times. Being there and looking up the valley makes it all the more real when they describe the wall of water coming toward you. They have been flooded since then. When I was young I can remember my dad helping with the search efforts to find people after a flood in the 70's. Very scary for strong and unpredictable nature is!

I just got into the habit of having lots of books going at once when I was in grad school (it was a definite necessity, then) and just never got out of that habit. I know it's silly, but I wouldn't feel like I was accomplishing enough if I just read one at a time. What, crazy? Me? Surely not...

Amber> LOL

2. Gracie: A Love Story by George Burns
Own, 3 stars

National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks and Minerals: Dazzling gems of photos and info that will rock your world

Carrie, This is the book I bought Oliver. You may already have it.. but I thought I would pop over and mention it :) Lots of colorful pics and info. Damian might like it

Checking in on the new thread, Carrie! Happy New Year (if a little late!)

Thanks, Kath. I will look into it. Damian will love it!

Happy New Year, Stasia. It's great to see you!

I missed my 8th Thinaversary on January 11th! I will need to celebrate this weekend. So many books, too much real life. LOL

Happy Thingadingy!! I can't wait to see what books you get!

Stinking real life!

3. The Lovers by John Connolly
own, 4 stars

I'm behind in that series

Me too. I actually skipped some and read this one because I had it. I pick up cheap books from the authors I like and then I find a gap in the series. It drives me crazy. I am actually reading out of order because of all the books sitting around waiting to be read. Some I have had for years.

I messed up and read four books ahead of where I'm suppose to be

I used to be strict about reading a series in order but as my TBR pile grows I have been skipping a few. I rarely pay full price for books and sometimes getting the 'next one' is almost impossible. Lol

4. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
Own, 3 1/2 stars

Paint for ceiling........check
Paint for the walls......check
Underlayment...........check
New flooring........check
Husband who doesn't have the flu..........darn.

I'm so excited to redo my living room. It has been probably 10 years since we have done anything to it.After we got home Friday from picking the supplies up my hubby started to get sick. Oh well I can wait a little longer!

Oh, dang. I'm sorry your husband isn't feeling well, for multiple reasons! I know it can be frustrating when you really want to get going on a project and can't!

Oh, dear! I hope he recovers quickly, Carrie.

Sending healing vibes to your hubby....
What color paint? And floor?

Amber, Terri and Kath, thanks, he is feeling better and the living room is done! He went to bed early Friday and stayed in bed a lot Saturday. On Sunday he said he was feeling better and started after Sunday dinner. I am so blessed to have someone who is a handy person and can do about anything. I can't imagine having strangers in my house and paying someone to do so much. The walls are sage and the floor is a light pecan. I'm happy to have the laminate flooring, the carpet was looking very worn. Now we need to hang pictures.

5. Johnstown Flood by David McCullough
Kindle, 4 stars

Oooh, photos of the new room?

Also, I'm glad that you liked the McCullough - I did, too!

Amber, I will try. I use my Nook for my internet use and I haven't tried to post a picture on here with it. LOL

That was my first McCullough but I've heard so many good things about his writing. I have Truman here but when I look at the size of it... *sigh*

McCullough is a good writer!

Lori, I agree. Which book is your favorite of his?

6. Gone Bitch: A Parody of Gone Girl by Steve Lookner
Early Reviewer, 2 1/2 stars

>41 cal8769: Probably The Path Between the Seas.

I'll have to look for it , Lori. I never heard of it.

7. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Own, reread, 4 1/2 stars

one of these days I'm going to re-read them and catch up I think I made it to #4?

We are like twins! I read the first 4 years ago and then reread the first 2 with the intent of catching up with the series. I am now determined to finish all 8!

I'm older, I read the first one when it came out, then the second one, re-read them both with the third one then stalled out on the fourth. I can't remember if I read it or not. But I still want to be your twin. Too bad we didn't start the re-read at the same time, I think that would be fun.

Count me in.. i read the first two 2 x then I reread 4 when 5 cm out. Then I quit. I would like to start over and reread. i am hoping to do some rereads this year

Looks like we have a club

Kath and Brenda hurry and catch up! Well as much as you can hurry with books that are 800-1000 pages long. Lol. I'm starting book 4. My mom just finished rereading all of them and is dying to talk to someone about them.

Carrie, put down book number 4 and read the nothing girl jodi Taylor I loved it, need someone to share this with.

I'll have to look for it!

8. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
given to me by a fellow LTer, 3 stars

I'm not sure why I couldn't get into this book. It has everything I enjoy- good writing, interesting subject matter, good development, etc. but I just couldn't stay interested. It took me several months to read this book and that is so unlike me.

ok. I bought the Jodi Taylor and will try to get to it this weekend. I love her St. M. Chronicles.

I hated In Cold Blood when I read it 111 years ago..

Yay! I'm like the only one that's read it and I need to have others like it :)

Help! I'm currently reading a book and I'm not liking it very much. My problem is that the author (from LT) has been e-mailing me for several years and sent it to me to read and review here and anywhere else I would want to post a review. I feel bad not liking his style of writing but also because he is having health issues and uses his writing and his reviewing of books to fulfill his dreams. There are some small things that bug me about his writing but overall I can't put my finger on why I don't like it.*sigh*

Ticklish situation for sure, life is too short to read books you don't like, put it on the back burner, tell him next time when he ask you're waiting for it to grab you?

That's what I need to do Brenda. I just wish it was wonderful and I could be excited about it.

>52 beeg: Just what I need, a ricochet book bullet, beeg. I just went and bought it.

Sorry about the situation, Carrie. Do you know people who might have a more positive reaction you could forward it to?

Woot! Ricochet bang bang! Got cha!

Roni-I'm not sure. It is a mystery/private detective book and that is right up my alley. I think I will set it aside for awile. Maybe it is me and it isn't my time to read it.

I really need to order The Nothing Girl!

OK I just downloaded The Nothing Girl and I also got Little Donkey since it was .99 cents!

Now we get to see who finishes first

LT contests!

>57 cal8769: Difficult, Carrie. I remember RD writing a splendid review of a then 75er's debut novel a few years ago which was sympathetic and gentle in informing that the book just wasn't his cup of tea. The art of "letting down gently" is a much underrated one but I fear you may have to rely upon it.

Thanks, Paul for your words. I am going to search for some kind 'Thanks but no thanks' reviews. To be able to express dislike without making it become hurtful and personal is a fine and useful skill to have.

9. Angels All Over Town by Luanne Rice
own, 2 stars

Painful story, painful characters, painful me for reading it.

10. The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor
own 4 1/2 stars

Oh Brenda, I loved it!!!!

Don't you love when you're reading a book you think of someone else that will like it as well 😊

It's a warm and fuzzy feeling!

Did you cry?

I didn't cry

No but I was close. I did cry when I read......
11. Little Donkey by Jodi Taylor
Own, 5 stars

Marilyn, the donkey, is taking part in the church's live nativity much to Jenny and Russell's dismay!

Hilarious and moving short. It takes place about 6 months after The Nothing Girl ends. A must read!

Wasn't that good? >69 cal8769: ?

eta

I liked the Donkey book, too.

I never read Taylor before. I will be looking for more of her books.

12. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Borrowed, 4 1/2 stars

13. Joyland by Stephen King
e-book, 4 stars

It was good huh

I really liked it. It wasn't typical King. It was a murder mystery with a small bit of mind reading thrown in. It is a book that I would recommend to people who hate horror but want to try King out.

Yup, now read the Colorado kid

LOL I plan to.

Did you see that in the March edition of The New Yorker that King wrote a short called A Death? I found it on line and now I just need to savor it!

Here is the link....http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/09/a-death-stephen-king

I have the new Laura Lippman.... can't wait

Thanks for link, I sucked it right up.

OOOO Laura Lippman I haven't read her in a while. I need more time to read.

Me too! It wasn't great, that Lippman.

I now have an Elly Griffiths queued up, hope thats better, but alas I work today.

Why couldn't we have been born rich instead of good looking, Kath? No work and more time to read.

14. A Death by Stephen King no touchstone
Short Story, 3 1/2 stars

15. Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn
ER win, 2 stars

>86 cal8769: One of the mysteries of the universe, I guess... sigh.

LOL

I am going to read Dead Wake instead of the Elly Griffiths because it showed up at the library yesterday...so I nabbed it.

>86 cal8769: I'm not rich OR good looking, so I guess I really was cheated . . . ;)

>89 mckait: Dead Wake is good! Or, at least, I thought so.

>90 tymfos: You and me both, Terri. If I was rich, I would not have to worry about getting another job! :)

*waving* at Carrie

Stasia, Hi! Great to see you. I wouldn't need a truck load of money but a little padding would be nice, wouldn't it!

I really want to read Dead Wake but I'm cheap. I will wait until the price drops or I can get it from the library.

16. New Idiom a Day by Eric Carruthers
E-book, 1 star for English speaking adults, 3 for kids or non English speaking people.

I'm not sure what I expected when I saw the title but it was more than what I was given. To be truthful the inside page said it was for kids but I can't imagine a child staying interested. It was very text bookish and boring.

17. Stuff Every Golfer Should Know by Brian Bertoldo
ER win, 2 1/2 stars

A typical Father's day present type book. Small size and full of golfing tidbits that can be found in a hundred other similar books. Covered topics ranging from movies, majors, style, winter activities, calculating your handicap and many other golfing stories.

18.World War II: The Stories of the Soldiers in the Battlefields of WWII by Ryan Jenkins
e-book, 3 1/2 stars

19. World War II Soldier Stories Part II by Ryan Jenkins
e-book, 3 1/2 stars

we're neck and neck again :)

Thanks Heaven for short books. LOL

20. Testimony by Anita Shreve
own, 3 1/2 stars

Stopping by just to say hi, Carrie!

Hi Roni. I have been thinking of you!

21. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Borrowed, 4 1/2 stars

Tired wave. Never read Dead Wake.... I have my own copy though, so I will. Trying to read some Vine acquisitions. Mostly pretty good, last one a stinker.

Take care

>99 cal8769: That one's in my tbr pile, Carrie.

Kath, a hugs and a soft, comfy pillow for you. Do you get a lot of Vine books? I haven't tried that program. I feel somewhat stressed when reading ARC's. I worry that I'm not 'getting' what the author is telling me and if my review sounds stupid. Lol

Roni It's a must read! I enjoyed how it was written, from Death's prospective, and the way the author develops the characters is interesting. The subject matter is tough and sad. When I started reading it I was prepared for a lot of tears and depressing thoughts. While some tears did fall the author made it uplifting.

Carrie, check out i am the messenger I liked it better than the book thief and I liked that a lot too 😊

I just put it on my wishlist. :) If it was good for you, I know I will love it.

😊

22. Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Own, 3 1/2 stars

23. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
E-book, 4 1/2stars

Moving along! Doesn't look like you are getting a lot of reading time though, Carrie.

Hi Roni! I have many excuses for not reading as much. First, the internet is a selfish siren who keeps me away from my books! Second my health problems make me very tired. I used to read for an hour or so every night before bed and now I might get in a few minutes before I fall asleep. Lastly, this whole working thing really cuts into my do what I want time. Sadly it also pays for what I want so I must continue working. Lol

24. Drums in Autumn by Diana Galbadon
Own, 4 1/2 stars

Don't you just hate that whole working thing?

Are you watching the series?

Hi Brenda, working stinks!

No, I tried some of the first season but I don't like the people that were cast as Jamie and Claire. Jamie needs to be bigger and redder and Claire is, I don't know, too modelish. That and the almost porn sex scenes. I don't mind sex scenes but good lord, leave a little bit to the imagination. lol I did enjoy the scenary and the language. I think the director got it spot on there.

LOL there was lots of porn in the book if I'm remembering correctly ;) I do remember asking you this, I think Jamie is spot on, and less impressed with Clair - but I've gotten use to them and they fit just fine now. If I were to re-read the books at some time I'm sure they would have these faces.

25. 99 Essential Weight Loss Blogs by Kenneth Schwarz PhD
Early Reviewer, 3 1/2 stars

Lots of good weight loss tips and ideas some of which I am anxious to try but most of which I have heard repeated in every weight loss article and book I ever read.

>107 cal8769: Glad to see Mr. Mercedes got such high marks! I just read an excerpt of the sequel, Finders Keepers, and I was intrigued.

I will look for Finders Keepers!

26. The Fiery Cross by Diane Gabaldon
E-book, 3 1/2 stars

27. Last One Home by Debbie Macomber
Er win, 2 1/2 stars
Good beach read, typical troubled girl-knight in shining armour- misunderstanding- love triumphs all type of book.

>113 cal8769: Love that summary, Carrie!

I have Finders Keepers!

Thanks Terri. Talk about beating a dead horse. LOL I was probably too genourous with the 3 1/2 stars. Actually I think I only gave it 2 1/2 stars. i'll check that out.

Did you read it, Brenda? I am starting Doctor Sleep now.

It just came out today, I'm fast but not that fast 😜

Lol! I didn't realize it came out today!

28. The Drop by Dennis Lehane
E book, 4 stars

How are you feeling these days?

Hi Kath, not too bad. The heat and humidity is tough, some shortness of breath and I get tired easily. I usually take naps on the weekends because I do too much. I lost a little weight and that helped some. I need to loose more and follow my sodium and fluid restrictions better. overall I feel better. I don't get testing done again until December unless I feel like I need it sooner.

I hope your eyes sort themselves out soon!. I can't imagine how frustrating it is to have goofy vision. I go crazy when I need new glasses and they barely change!

How's Lola?

Oh my Lola Belle is doing great :) she smiles and plays a little. She rolls onto her back now and and lets me rub her belly. She's home now, for sure :)

I hope that you're feeling much better and stronger soon ..

big hugs to you my friend

I need to get out of this book funk! I am halfway through 2 books that I am enjoying but I can't seem to settle and read. I have several books waiting for me. I can't let them down.

She's baaack!

LOL I wish I was back with about 10 read books!

29. Mark Twain's Guide to Diet, Exercise, Beauty, Fashion, Investment, Romance, Health and Happiness by Mark Dawidziak
ER win, 4 stars

An enjoyable collection of quotes from one of America's favorite humorists bound in a nice looking little book. The quotes are divided up into sections covering all aspects of life including diet, exercise, work and leisure. After reading I wanted to go straight into a major Twain reading binge!

30. A Breath of Snow and Ash by Diana Gabaldon
Kindle, 4 stars

31. Dr. Sleep by Stephen King
Kindle, 4 stars

32. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Kindle, 3 1/2 stars

33. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Kindle, 3 stars

34. Second Child by John Saul
Kindle, 3 stars

*waves cast--2 more days!*

I am in such a book funk! This stinks. I am in the middle of 2 books and have started countless others but nothing is grabbing me. *sigh*

>134 cal8769: Oh, I hate when that happens to me!!!

Boo, I hate when that happens

Me, too. Hope the book funk evaporates soonest.

Thanks, Terri, Brenda and Roni. I'm tired of it. The weather will be bad soon so that will lead to more reading!

35. The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews
3 stars (barely), loaned by friend

Very cliched, unimpressive main character but nice life lessons.
This book was loaned to me by a friend who was having a difficult time and he felt it gave him strength and guidance. Me, not so much but I did feel that the 7 decisions that the book was based on were very good and inspiring but the back story was blah.

For my Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Holiday image this year (we are so diverse!), I've chosen this photograph by local photographer Mark Lenoce of the pier at Pacific Beach to express my holiday wishes to you: Peace on Earth and Good Will toward All!

Happy Holidays!

Thank you Roni and Terri for the beautiful pictures and greetings. Merry Christmas

As I think of all of my friends, near and far, I wish for all, peace and happiness. Have a joy filled Christmas with family and friends.

Merry New Year Carrie!

(don't forget to sign up for the 2016 challenge)

Thanks for the reminder, Brenda!

Have a fantastic New Year!

36. An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
Own, Nook, 4 stars