June 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

June's TBR Pile (14/16):

1. J’s pick: The Martian by Andy Weir √
2. Carry-over: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
3. Nonfiction: Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich √
4. Classic: Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton √
5. Book club Selection: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (reread) √
6. Random pick: 666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce √
7. Debut Author Pick: The Night Circus by Erica Morgenstern
8. Library Book: Dead Wake by Erik Larson √
9. Book Club Selection 2: The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson √
10. Added: The American Plate by Libby O'Connell √
11. Added: Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest √
12. Added: Sally Heatcote: Suffragette by Mary Talbot and Kate Charlesworth √
13. Added: The Dark Glamour by Gabriella Pierce √
14. Added: What If by Randall Munroe √
15. Added: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo √
16. Added: The Lost Soul by Gabriella Pierce √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Fast Train, Slow Train by Reverend W Awdry
2. Daddy, Papa, and Me by Leslea Newman
3. Zoe's First Book of Seasons by Heather Au
4. Search and Rescue by Britt Allcroft
5. Things That Go by Eva Steele-Saccio
6. Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey
7. Daddy All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
8. Steampunk ABC by Karen Luk
9. Froggy's Day with Dad by Jonathan London
10. My Daddy is a Giant by Carl Norac
11. Tyrannosaurus Dad by Liz Rosenberg
12. Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell
13. If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff
14. The Monstore by Tara Lazar
15. Planes Fly! by George Ella Lyon
16. A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea by Jessica Law
17. Redbird Colors, Colors, Everywhere by Barney Saltzberg
18. Beach Babies by Puck
19. Demolition by Sally Sutton
20. Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray
21. My Foodie ABC by Puck
22. Llama Llama Zippity Zoom by Anna Dewdney
23. Monkey Truck by Michael Slack
24. The Thunderbolt Express by Matthew Porter
25. Construction Kitties by Judy Sue Goodwin Sturges
26. Zoom Zoom by Robert Burleigh
27. Chick n Pug by Jennifer Sattler
28. Giant Vehicles by Rod Green
29. All Aboard by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
30. Let's Paint by Alborozo
31. Machines Go to Work by William Low
32. The Dinosaur Tamer by Carol Greathouse
33. Farm by James Brown
34. Goodnight Daniel Tiger by Angela Santomero

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3975 pages
Pages Remaining: 791,236 pages

Current Read - The Night Circus by Erica Morgenstern

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed

• Nonfiction Adventure -- Part of my larger Nonfiction Adventure Perpetual Reading Challenge, I've met my goal for 2015 and will probably add to my total throughout the second half of the year
• Read Your Freebies -- Woop! Another challenge done!

Comments - Wow! What a good month of reading. I went from thinking I would possibly read 7 books and ended up with 14 read. Even with the twins being here and tons of activities, I managed to make time for reading. I think the biggest help has been instituting reading hour during Arthur's nap time. Gives everyone some quiet time and me some reading time.

July's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: The Art of Steampunk by Art Donovan
2. Classic: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
3. Carry-over: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
4. Story Collection: Witches edited by Paula Guran
5. Library Grab: Steamlust edited by Kristina Wright
6. Book Club Selection: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
7. Debut Author Pick: The Night Circus by Erica Morgenstern

May 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

May's TBR Pile (13/14):

1. Nonfiction: Witchcraze by Anne Barstow √
2. Fluffy romance: Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh √
3. Book to Movie: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz √
4. Book club selection: The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman √
5. Series pick: At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh √
6. Random pick: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
7. Series Ender: A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh √
8. Added: Born Reading by Jason Boog √
9. Added: American Vampire Vol. 2 √
10. Added: American Vampire Vol. 3 √
11. Added: The Manhattan Projects Vol. 1 √
12. Added: Graceling by Kristin Cashore √
13. Added: Fire by Kristin Cashore √
14. Added: Geek Mom by Barroon, Ceceri, Lawson, Williams √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. One Naked Baby by Maggie Smith
2. Go, Shapes, Go by Denise Fleming
3. Captain Beastlie's Pirate Party by Lucy Coats
4. A Truck Goes Rattley-Bumpa by Jonathan London
5. Toys in Space by Mini Grey
6. Rapunzel by Trixie Belle
7. King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bently
8. Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton
9. Skippyjon Jones Color Crazy by Judy Schachner
10. Click, Clack, 1 2 3 by Doreen Cronin
11. We Go Together by Calef Brown
12. Joey and Jet by James Yang
13. The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin
14. Tails Chasing Tails by Matthew Porter
15. We Go Together by Todd Dunn
16. City Signs by Zoran Milich
17. The Trucker by Barbara Samuels
18. The Robot Book by Heather Brown
19. Honk Honk Baa Baa by Petr Horacek
20. Cars Trucks and Planes by Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
21. Mouse's First Spring by Lauren Thompson
22. Trains Go by Steve Light
23. Trucks by Paula Hannigan
24. There was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish by Jennifer Ward
25. Hansel and Diesel by David Gordon
26. Ten Naughty Little Monkeys by Suzanne Williams
27. 100 Things That Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz
28. Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy
29. LMNO Peas by Keith Baker
30. B is for Bulldozer by June Sobel
31. Slow Snail by Mary Murphy
32. The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin by Sonali Fry
33. Trucks by Anne Rockwell
34. Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
35. Tails Chasing Tails by Matthew Porter
36. Dig by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 4383 pages
Pages Remaining: 795,211 pages

Current Read - Dead Wake by Erik Larson

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed (0)

Comments - Wow! Another awesome month of reading. The decision to read 60 minutes a day as one of my life goals really paid off. And I ended up enjoying most of my selections. I don't think I can sustain this pace through the summer, but I'm sure I'll still find time to read.

June's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: The Martian by Andy Weir
2. Carry-over: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
3. Nonfiction: Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich
4. Classic: Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
5. Book club selection: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
6. Random pick: 666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce
7. Debut Author Pick: The Night Circus by Erica Morgenstern
8. Library Book: Dead Wake by Erik Larson
9. Book Club Selection 2: TBD

April 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

April's TBR Pile (21/22):

1. Book club selection: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr √
2. Carry-over: Insurgent by Veronica Roth √
3. Series pick: The Walking Dead Vol. 18 √
4. Dystopian: Allegiant by Veronica Roth √
5. Comic: Y The Last Man Vol. 2 √
6. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 3 √
7. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 4 √
8. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 5 √
9. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 6 √
10. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 7 √
11. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 8 √
12. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 9 √
13. Added: Y The Last Man Vol. 10 √
14. Added: The Walking Dead Vol. 19 √
15. Added: The Walking Dead Vol. 20 √
16. Added: The Walking Dead Vol. 21 √
17. Added: The Walking Dead Vol. 22 √
18. Added: Fables Vol 20 Camelot √
19. Added: Fairest Vol 4 Of Mice and Men √
20. Added: Fables Wolves of the Heartland √
21. Added: Four A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth √
22. Added; At Last Comes Live by Mary Balogh

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop by Anna Dewdney
2. Itsy Bitsy Spider by Charles Reasoner
3. Who Flies, Cat the Cat? by Mo Willems
4. Freight Train Trip! by Susanna Leonard Hill
5. Jack and Jill by Charles Reasoner
6. 1-2-3 Dinosaurs Bite! by Steve Jenkins
7. Hello, My Baby by Tish Rabe
8. Welcome to Monster Town by Ryan Heshka
9. Miles to the Finish by Jamie Harper
10. The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara
11. Alpha Oops! The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 4544 pages
Pages Remaining: 799,594 pages

Current Read - At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- I Love Library Books. Even though I'm trying to read from my shelves, I always have to hit up the library for specific reads.

Comments - Check out those numbers!  Holy cow! The only reason I have that high of numbers is because I was in Indiana for the first half of the month. I had a fair amount of time just hanging out at the house. I grabbed a ton of comics and a few books and dug in. So excited about my progress. On to May!

May's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Witchcraze by Anne Barstow
2. Fluffy romance: Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh
3. Book to Movie: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
4. Book club selection: The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
5. Series pick: At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh
6. Random pick: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
7. Series Ender: A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh

March 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

March's TBR Pile (6/10):

1. Nonfiction: Yes Please by Amy Poehler √
2. Book club selection: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
3. Carry-over: Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton √
4. Series pick: Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
5. Series Ender: Allegiant by Veronica Roth
6. Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
7. Added: First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh √
8. Added: Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh √
9. Added: The Hedge Knight by George R.R. Martin √
10. Added: The Sworn Sword by George R.R. Martin √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. How Gator Says Good-bye by Samoun
2. Dinosaur Zoom by Penny Dale
3. Duck and Goose: Goose Needs a Hug by Tad Hills
4. What Does Baby Love by Karen Katz
5. A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
6. One Pup's Up by Marshal Wilson Chall
7. Hello Baby! by Megan Fox
8. Milo Armadillo by Jan Fearnley
9. Three Little Dinosaurs by Charles Fuge
10. Windy Day in Spring by Charles Ghigna
11. What's Up, Duck? by Tad Hills
12. My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
13. In the Jungle by Emily Bolam
14. Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills
15. When You Take a Pig to a Party by Kristina Thermaenius McLarey & Myra McLarey
16. All Through My Town by Jean Reidy

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2111 pages

Pages Remaining: 804,138 pages

Current Read - Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet. It's still early in the year.

Comments - Woohoo! I knocked off tour books from my own bookshelves and read two graphic novels. I saved Amy Poehler's book until the last part of the month as I knew I was going to enjoy it. Glad I did! It was the great choice to end the month. On to April!

April's TBR Pile:

1. Book club selection: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
2. Carry-over: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
3. Series pick: The Walking Dead Vol. 18
4. Dystopian: Allegiant by Veronica Roth
5. Comic: Y The Last Man Vol. 2

February 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

February's TBR Pile (6/9):

1. Nonfiction: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
2. Classic: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton √
3. Book club selection: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier √
4. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon √
5. Series pick: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
6. Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
7. Added: Seducing the Heiress by Olivia Drake √
8. Added: Never Trust a Rogue by Olivia Drake √
9. Added: Scandal of the Year by Olivia Drake √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Love Monster by Rachel Bright
2. Under the Waves by Steph Hinton
3. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
4. A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
5. Countasaurus by Megan Bryant
6. Shapeasaurus by Megan Bryant
7. Doggies by Sandra Boynton
8. In My Tree by Sara Gillingham
9. Snowman Surprise by Julia Woolf
10. Blue Hat Green Hat by Sandra Boynton
11. Stomp Dinosaur Stomp by Margaret Mayo
12. The Runaway Heart by Sylvia Christianson
13. Duck and Goose Colors by Tad Hills
14. Rescue Bunnies by Doreen Cronin
15. Winston the Book Wolf by Marni McGee
16. Barnyard Baby by Elise Broach

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2226 pages Pages Remaining: 806,249 pages

Current Read - Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet, but making good progress.

Comments - I knocked out six books this month! That's a great number considering that I was reading Outlander for the first two weeks of the month. I've officially got my reading mojo back. Next month my TBR pile is sparse because I will be traveling to Indiana in the middle. I will probably finish the month reading random selections from my iPad.

March's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Yes Please by Amy Poehler
2. Book club selection: TBD March 1st
3. Carry-over: Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
4. Series pick: Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
5. Series Ender: Allegiant by Veronica Roth
6. Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

January 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

January's TBR Pile (6/8):

1. Book Club selection: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara √
2. Nonfiction: Lives in Ruins by Marilyn Johnson √
3. Freebie: Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania by Lori Sechrist √
4. Book club selection: A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon √
5. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
6. Book to movie: Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
7. Series Ender: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale √
8. Debut Author Pick: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. It's a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree
2. Monster Knows I'm Sorry by Connie Colwell Miller
3. Where is Baby's Christmas Present? by Karen Katz
4. What's Up Bear? by Frieda Wishinsky
5. Little Green Peas by Keith Baker
6. 1 2 3 Peas by Keith Baker
7. The Perfect Christmas by Eileen Spinelli
8. Duck in the Fridge by Jeff Mack
9. Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein
10. Who Says That Cat the Cat by Mo Willems
11. Max at the Seashore by Kate Pope
12. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
13. Hoot by Tiger Tales
14. What a Wonderful World by bob Theile
15. Good Night Zoo by Adam Gamble
16. Chu's Day by Neil Gaiman
17. Monster Knows Excuse Me by Connie Colwell Miller
18. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Jennifer Adams

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2045 pages
Pages Remaining: 808,475 pages

Current Read - Outlander

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed (0)

Comments - A great start to 2015. I read some good books and broke out of my reading slump. Now to keep up the momentum for the rest of the year.

February's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
2. Classic: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
3. Book club selection: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
4. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
5. Series pick: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
6. Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

December 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

December's TBR Pile (4/7):

1. J’s pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien √
2. Book club selection: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
3. Contemporary YA: Looking for Alaska by John Green
4. Series pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin √
5. Random pick: Paper Towns by John Green
6. Mystery Pick: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle √
7. Added: Beloved by Toni Morrison √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Snow Bear by Piers Harper
2. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
3. Welcome to the Zoo by Alison Jay
4. On the Farm You Might See...
5. The People That I Meet...
6. Superhero School by Thierry Robberecht
7. Balloons Balloons Balloons by Dee Lillegard
8. Cowboy Bunnies by Christine Loomis
9. It's a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree
10. Monster Knows I'm Sorry by Connie Colwell Miller
11. Where is Baby's Christmas Present by Karen Katz
12. Who Says That, Cat the Cat? by Mo Willems
13. Hey Mr. Choo-choo, Where are You Going? by Susan Wickberg
14. Rex Wrecks It by Ben Clanton
15. The Perfect Christmas by Eileen Spinelli
16. Duck in the Fridge by Jeff Mack
17. Harry and the Dinosaurs at the Museum by Ian Whybrow
18. One Christmas Eve by Salina Yoon
19. Hoot by Jonathan Litton
20. Busy Busy Thomas

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 1811 pages
Pages Remaining: 810,520 pages

Current Read - Lives in Ruins by Marilyn Johnson

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Comments - I finished off the year strong with a book I've been meaning to read for months (A Feast for Crows).  I'm currently formulated my 2015 reading plan and will be posting soon.  I'm hoping to start of the year with some great reads.  And Bout of Books is coming in just a few days! I can't wait!

January's TBR Pile:

1. Book Club selection: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
2. Nonfiction: Lives in Ruins by Marilyn Johnson
3. Freebie: Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania by Lori Sechrist
4. Book club selection: A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon
5. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
6. Book to movie: Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
7. Series Ender: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
8. Debut Author Pick: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

November 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

November's TBR Pile (6/10):

1. Nonfiction: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
2. Book club selection: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (iPad)
3. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. Series pick: Evernight by Kristen Callihan √
5. Random pick: Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer √
6. Series Ender: Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer √
7. Mystery Pick: Authority by Jeff Vandermeer √
8. Fantasy Pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
9. Added: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher √
10. Added: Divergent by Veronica Roth √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge) -- Lots of repeats this month.

1. Waz Dot? by Michael Slack
2. The Belly Book by Fran Manushkin
3. A Gift for Mama by Linda Ravin Lodding
4. Dora the Explorer's A Fairytale Adventure
5. My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2000 pages
Pages Remaining: 812,331 pages

Current Read - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed -- Top 100 YA

Comments - Not the best showing this month. Considering we moved and left for Indiana, 5 books is decent. Hoping to end the year on a high note.

December's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Book club selection: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
3. Contemporary YA: Looking for Alaska by John Green
4. Series pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
5. Random pick: Paper Towns by John Green
6. Mystery Pick: Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

October 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

October's TBR Pile (6/10):

1. J’s pick: Dune by Frank Herbert √
2. J’s pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Book club selection: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck √
4. MVPA Book club selection: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai √
5. Feminist Book club: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. Series pick: Entwined by Kristen Callihan √
7. Book to movie: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
8. Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
9. Reread: The Awakening by Kate Chopin √
10. Fantasy Pick: Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan √
11. Favorite: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
12. Short Story Collection: The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination
13. Zombie Pick: The Living Dead
14. Steampunk Pick: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato
2. Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin
3. Martin on the Moon by Martine Audet
4. Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
5. One, Two... Boo! by Kristen L. Depken
6. I Love You, Little Pumpkin by Sandra Magsamen
7. Spooky Spooky Spooky by Cathy MacLennan
8. The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
9. Me and My Mom by Alison Ritchie
10. The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
11. I am an Apple by Jean Marzollo
12. Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by Herman Parish
13. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
14. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
15. I Really, Really Need Actual Ice Skates by Lauren Child
16. Oink-a-Doodle Moo by Jef Czekaj
17. My Octopus Arms by Keith Baker
18. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi
19. My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis
20. Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger
21. The Treasure Bath by Dan Andreasen
22. He's Been a Monster All Day by Denise Brennan-Nelson
23. Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig
24. Socksquatch by Frank Dormer
25. Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert
26. Ten Little Beasties by Rebecca Emberley
27. Big Bad Bubble by Adam Rubin
28. Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
29. Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane
30. My Bus by Byron Barton
31. E is for Echidna by Bronwyn Bancroft
32. Ann and Nan are Annagrams by Mark Shulman

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2326 pages
Pages Remaining: 816,393 pages

Current Read - Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None this month

Comments - Not a ton of books, but a decent showing given my life lately.  Unfortunately November is going to be a a bit of an issue.  We are officially moving at right before Thanksgiving and then Arthur and I are going back to Indiana. Hopefully I can still find some time for reading...

November's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
2. Book club selection: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (iPad)
3. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. Series pick: Evernight by Kristen Callihan
5. Random pick: Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
6. Series Ender: Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer
7. Mystery Pick: Authority by Jeff Vandermeer
8. Fantasy Pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

September 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

September's TBR Pile (6/16):

1. J’s pick: Dune by Frank Herbert
2. Book club selection: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters √
3. MVPA Book Club: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green √
4. Feminist Book Club: No Turning Back by Estelle Freedman √
5. Carry-over: Washington by Ron Chernow √
6. Series pick: Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan √
7. Book to movie: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
8. Fun and Funny: The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul by Terry Pratchett
9. Comic Pick: Fairest Vol. 3 √
10. Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
11. Adult Contemporary: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
12. Comic Pick: Soulless Vol 1
13. Comic Pick 2: Soulless Vol 2
14. Short Story Collection: The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination
15. Zombie Pick: The Living Dead
16. Steampunk Pick: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Elmer and the Kangaroo by David McKee
2. This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
3. Summer by Bright Baby
4. The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy by Dvid Soman
5. Jack and the Beanstalk by E. Nesbit
6. I'm Fast by Kate and Jim McMullan
7. Horseplay by Karma Wilson
8. I Love to Dance by Anna Walker
9. Froodle by Antoinette Portis
10. I Love Birthdays by Anna Walker
11. I Love My Mom by Anna Walker
12. Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman
13. The Crocodile and the Scorpion by Rebecca Emberley
14. Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro
15. I Love Vacations by Anna Walker
16. Are Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? by Julie Middleton
17. Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas
18. I Love My Dad by Anna Walker
19. A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead
20. Rainbow Fish: Colors by Marcus Pfister
21. A Long Way Away by Frank Viva
22. Stars! Stars! Stars! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
23. Penguin Cha-Cha by Kristi Valiant
24. I Love to Sing by Anna Walker
25. Please, Bring Balloons by Lindsay Ward
26. Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle
27. Wiggle by Doreen Cronin
28. Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig
29. Giddy-up Daddy by Troy Cummings
30. Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2718 pages
Pages Remaining: 818,719 pages

Current Read - Dune by Frank Herbert

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed

• Pictures Books: 100 different pictures books read to Arthur. Let's get started on the next 100!
• What's in a Name: This month's MVPA book club book completed my 2014 What's in a Name challenge

Comments - A small book count for this month, but my pages read is still good. I definitely read some good books this month.  Looking forward to more awesome books.  I think I have my reading mojo back.

October's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: Dune by Frank Herbert
2. J's pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Book club selection: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck
4. MVPA Book club selection: TBD
5. Feminist Book club: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. Series pick: Entwined by Kristen Callihan
7. Book to movie: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
8. Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
9. Reread: The Awakening by Kate Chopin
10. Fantasy Pick: Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan
11. Favorite: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
12. Short Story Collection: The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination
13. Zombie Pick: The Living Dead
14. Steampunk Pick: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

August 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

August's TBR Pile (10/15):

1. Carry Over: The Little Prince √
2. J’s pick: Casino Royale by Ian Fleming √
3. Nonfiction: Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon √
4. Historical Pick: Washington by Ron Chernow
5. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. Contemporary YA: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie √
7. Series pick: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn √
8. Book to movie: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare √
9. Random pick: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
10. Adult Contemporary: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
11. YA Pick: Sunrise by Mike Mullin √
12. Fantasy Pick: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan √
13. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn
14. Book Club Selection: The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis √
15. Added: Reasons My Kid is Crying by Greg Pembroke √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Mousterpiece by Jane Breskin Zalben
2. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
3. Good Night, Monkey Boy by Jarrett J. Krosoczko
4. Wolf Wanted by Ana Maria Machado
5. There's a Dragon Downstairs by Hilary McKay
6. A is for Autumn by Robert Maass
7. Gone Wild by David McLimans
8. Ah Ha! by Jeff Mack
9. Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell
10. The Case of the Missing Donut by Alison McGhee
11. Here Comes Destructosaurus! by Aaron Reynolds
12. Elmer's Special Day by David McKee
13. That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
14. Olivia by Ian Falconer

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3466 pages
Pages Remaining: 821,437 pages

Current Read - Washington by Ron Chernow

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed (0)

Comments - Very good showing for the month.  I know that participating in Bout of Books gave me the push to actually focus on reading a bit more.  Plus, I did encounter some really good books.  Looking ahead to September, my TBR pile looks a little different.  I have now joined three different book clubs, so that's potentially three more selections a month on top of my usual TBR pile.  This should be interesting...

September's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: Dune by Frank Herbert (iPad)
2. Book club selection: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
3. MVPA Book Club: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (library)
4. Feminist Book Club: No Turning Back by Estelle Freedman
5. Carry-over: Washington by Ron Chernow (library)
6. Series pick: Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan (library)
7. Book to movie: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
8. Fun and Funny: The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul by Terry Pratchett (iPad)
9. Comic Pick: Fairest Vol. 3 (library)
10. Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth (iPad)
11. Adult Contemporary: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
12. Comic Pick: Soulless Vol 1
13. Comic Pick 2: Soulless Vol 2
14. Short Story Collection: The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination
15. Zombie Pick: The Living Dead
16. Steampunk Pick: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

July 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

July's TBR Pile (14/15):

1. J's pick: A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby √
2. Nonfiction: Handmade to Sell by Kelly Rand √
3. Fluffy romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn √
4. Freebie: Fairest #1 Wide Awake √
5. Comic Pick: Fairest #2 The Hidden Kingdom √
6. Book club selection: Bel Canto by Anne Patchett √
7. Carry-over: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn √
8. Series pick: Firelight by Kristin Callihan √
9. Random pick: Fairest In All The Land √
10. Monthly Motif: Fables 19 Snow White √
11. Series Ender: Locke and Key #6 √
12. Monthly Key Word: The Little Prince
13. Crafty Pick: Journal Bliss by Violette √
14. Business Pick: How to Sell Your Crafts Online by Derrick Sutton √
15. Added: Pinterest Perfect by Walter Foster Creative Team √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Amanda and Her Alligator by Mo Willems
2. This Morning Sam Went to Mars by Nancy Carlson
3. In My Barn by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich
4. The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller
5. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
6. Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere
7. The Museum by Susan Verde
8. When Blue Met Egg by Lindsay Ward
9. The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems
10. Dinotrux by Chris Gall
11. Hidden Hippo by Joan Gannij and Clare Beaton
12. Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
13. The Beatles Yellow Submarine by Charlie Gardner
14. Bedtime Bunnies by Wendy Watson
15. A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
16. Introducing Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson
17. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems
18. Puddle Jumping by Emma Quay and Anna Walker
19. Yummy Ice Cream by Emma Quay and Anna Walker
20. Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith
21. Baby Loves to Rock by Wednesday Kirwan
22. Hush Little Turtle by Maranke Rinck & Martijn van der Linden
23. If Kisses were Colors by Janet Lawler
24. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
25. A Baby is Born
26. Penguins, Penguins Everywhere! by Bob Barner
27. The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock
28. Tea Rex by Molly Idle
29. Cheetah Can't Lost by Bob Shea

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3414 pages
Pages Remaining: 819,375 pages

Current Read - The Little Prince

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  - Women Authors

Comments - Wow!  July kicked some reading butt!  I didn't think I would get even 2000 pages read with the boys here, but we did it.  The couple days at Great America reading while they went on rides probably helped.  So too did reading hour (Arthur's short afternoon nap).  And I almost completed my entire TBR pile for the month.  This past month was awesome, now it's time to look ahead to August (and Bout of Books!!!).

August's TBR Pile:

1. Carry Over: The Little Prince (iPad)
2. J's pick: Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
3. Nonfiction: Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon
4. Historical Pick: Washington by Ron Chernow (library)
5. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. Contemporary YA: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (iPad)
7. Series pick: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn
8. Book to movie: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
9. Random pick: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
10. Adult Contemporary: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (library)
11. YA Pick: Sunrise by Mike Mullin (library)
12. Fantasy Pick: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan
13. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn
14. Book Club Selection: The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis (iPad)

June 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

June's TBR Pile (7/11):

1. J's pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Fluffy romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
3. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4. Book club selection: Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg √
5. Children's Fiction: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente √
6. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk √
7. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn (in progress)
8. Monthly Key Word: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson √
9. Contemporary: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen √
10. Added: Grand Forks by Marilyn Hagerty √
11. Added: Death in Yellowstone by Lee Whittlesey √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
2. Pig Takes a Bath by Michael Dahl
3. Pirate Nap by Danna Smith
4. The Dark by Lemony Snicket
5. Senorita Gordita by Helen Ketteman
6. The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz
7. Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton
8. Two at the Zoo by Danna Smith
9. Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza
10. Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
11. All Aboard the Dino Train by Deb Lund

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2114 pages
Pages Remaining: 822,789 pages

Current Read - Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- Library Books

Comments - A decent showing this month.  I finished over half of the books on my list and knocked out a ton of reading challenge spots.  I even completed my first reading challenge for the year.  Woohoo!  Overall, I'm only at about 35% complete.  Oh well!  Really I just want to make sure that I keep reading...

July's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
2. Nonfiction: Handmade to Sell by Kelly Rand
3. Fluffy romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
4. Freebie: Fairest #1 Wide Awake
5. Comic Pick: Fairest #2 The Hidden Kingdom
6. Book club selection: Bel Canto by Anne Patchett
7. Carry-over: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
8. Series pick: Firelight by Kristin Callihan
9. Random pick: Fairest In All The Land
10. Monthly Motif: Fables 19 Snow White
11. Series Ender: Locke and Key #6
12. Monthly Key Word: The Little Prince
13. Crafty Pick: Journal Bliss by Violette
14. Business Pick: How to Sell Your Crafts Online by Derrick Sutton

May 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

May's TBR Pile (5/10):

1. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. Book club selection: American Gods by Neil Gaiman  √
3. Carry-over: A Vindication on the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft √
4. Contemporary YA: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
6. Series pick: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
7. Adult Contemporary: Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews √
8. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
9. Monthly Key Word (Star, Light, Never, Princess, Break, Clear): Ember by Kristin Callihan (iPad)  √
10. Read-a-Long: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

• We were such slackers this month.  Between sickness and baby activities, not many pictures books were read and no new ones.  However, I went to the library two days ago and picked up abut 15 new pictures books to read this coming month.  Hopefully we find some great ones!

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 1797 pages
Pages Remaining: 824,903 pages

Current Read - Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet, but my totals are very good.

Comments - Five books is really low for me.  I think it might be my lowest book total since starting the blog.  However, my page totals were decent so that's something.  I read a giant brick of a book (The Strain) and finished my book club book days before our meeting.  I'm looking forward to June's TBR pile as I think I've stacked it with some great books.

June's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Fluffy romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
3. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4. Book club selection: Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg
5. Children's Fiction: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
6. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
7. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
8. Monthly Key Word: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
9. Contemporary: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

April 2014 Wrap-Up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

April's TBR Pile (6/10):

1. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury √
2. Nonfiction: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling √
3. Fluffy romance: Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano √
4. Freebie: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro
5. Classic: A Vindication on the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft
6. Book club selection: The Thirteenth Tale by Diana Setterfield √
7. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire √
8. Contemporary YA: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
9. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
10. Added: How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

• We didn't read any new ones this month...

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 1616 pages
Pages Remaining: 826,700 pages

Current Read - The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet

Comments - Decent month.  Not the greatest and I often found myself crafting instead of reading.  I need to carve out more time to read.

May's TBR Pile:

1. Classic: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. Book club selection: American Gods by Neil Gaiman (iPad)
3. Carry-over: A Vindication on the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft
4. Contemporary YA: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (iPad)
5. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
6. Series pick: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
7. Adult Contemporary: Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
8. Mystery Pick: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
9. Monthly Key Word (Star, Light, Never, Princess, Break, Clear): Ember by Kristin Callihan (iPad)
10. Read-a-Long: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro (ipad)

March 2014 Wrap-Up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

March's TBR Pile (8/11):

1. February Roll-over: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein √
2. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
3. Nonfiction: What Ifs of American History √
4. Freebie: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. Series pick: The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen √
6. Classic: Tales of the Brothers Grimm √
7. Book club selection: The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy √
8. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
9. Monthly Key Word: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim √
10. Library Pick: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa √
11. Added: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. Up Tall and High by Ethan Long -- Not my favorite, not Arthur's favorite
2. Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan -- Cute little book, Arthur might enjoy it at a later age
3. Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier -- Loved the bright colors
4. Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia -- Great use of sounds
5. Tony and the Pizza Champions by Tony Gemignani -- Great little story, bit much for the little one
6. The Library Gingerbread Man by Dotti Enderle -- Classic tale
7. Momo and Snap are NOT Friends! by Airlie Anderson -- Lots of sounds, Arthur seemed to enjoy it

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2545 pages
Pages Remaining: 828,214 pages

Current Read - None...  I imagine that I will be starting another book tonight, but I haven't decided which one yet.

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet, but I'm still making some great strides.

Comments - Looky looky!  I read only 8 books this month, but my page total was over 2500!  I'm very pleased with my progress.  Having an active 5 month old cuts into my reading time, but I still try to make time.

April's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
2. Nonfiction: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
3. Fluffy romance: Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano
4. Freebie: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro
5. Classic: A Vindication on the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft
6. Book club selection: The Thirteenth Tale by Diana Setterfield
7. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
8. Contemporary YA: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
9. Story Collection: Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk

February 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

Fantasy February's TBR Pile (8/13):

1. January Roll-over: The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin √
2. J's pick: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
3. Freebie: Tithe by Holly Black √
4. Book to stage: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
5. Classic: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie √
6. Book club selection: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn √
7. Carry-over: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
8. Monthly Motif: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
9. Fun and Funny: The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul by Terry Pratchett
10. Series Pick: Roaring Midnight by Colleen Gleason √
11. Library Book: Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa √
12. Added: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa √
13. Added: Sh*tty Mom by Laurie Kilmartin, Karen Moline, Alicia Ybarbo, Mary Ann Zoellner √

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. It's a Book by Lane Smith -- Library book. I love Smith's books, but this one is a bit rude for super young kids.
2. Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton -- Library book.  Nice rhyming musical book with real dinosaur names.  Loved it.
3. The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket -- Library book. Awesome book!  I love they way the book teaches kids the roles of the orchestral instruments.  We will be checking this one out again (and possibly buy it).
4. 13 Words by Lemony Snicket -- Library book. Another really great book.  I love that one of the words taught is despondent.  I want Arthur to go around at four year olds telling others that they look despondent.
5. Madam President by Lane Smith -- Library book. Cute little about a little girl president.  I liked it.  Arthur didn't respond to it at all.
6. The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz -- Library book.  I really enjoyed this one.  We will definitely be checking this one out again.
7. The Dark by Lemony Snicket -- Library book. Definitely a dark book, but I really loved it.
8. Fuzzy Bee and Friends -- We own it. It's a cloth book and Arthur loves loves loves chewing on it.
9. Squishy Turtle and Friends -- We own it.  Just like the Fuzzy Bee book.
10. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae -- We own it.  We picked up this board book from Barnes and Noble.  I really really enjoy it.
11. Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles by Alison Oliver -- We own it.  We had to get a first Sherlock Holmes book for our future detective.
12. Star Trek Book of Opposites -- We own it.  A must read.  It's all based off of the original series.  Too funny.
13. My Little Geek by Andrew and Sarah Spear -- We own it.  A very cute A to Z book for out little geek.  Very appropriate.

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2152 pages
Pages Remaining: 830,759 pages

Current Read - Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet, but I making some decent progress.

Comments - A decent reading month for the shortest month of the year.  I read some mediocre books this month.  I'm hoping March is a lot better.  I've got my TBR pile ready to go.

March's TBR Pile:

1. February Roll-over: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
2. J's pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
3. Nonfiction: What Ifs of American History
4. Freebie: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. Series pick: The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen
6. Classic: Tales of the Brothers Grimm
7. Book club selection: The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy
8. Carry-over: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
9. Monthly Key Word: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
10. Library Pick: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

January 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

January's TBR Pile Recap: Books Read and Reviewed (8/12 books)

1. J's pick: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby √
2. J's other pick: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
3. Nonfiction: Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
4. Fluffy romance: Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale √
5. Freebie: In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller √
6. Series pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
7. Nonfiction: Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain √
8. Book to movie: The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
9. Classic: A Room with a View by E.M. Forster √
10. Book club selection: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green √
11. Added: Shambling with the Stars by Jesse Petersen √
12. Added: The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama √

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2422 pages
Pages Remaining: 832,911 pages

Current Read - Roaring Midnight by Colleen Gleason; The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None yet

Comments - Not bad for January.  I knocked out a few books form my TBR piles and finished a few iPad reads.  I am again dedicating February to fantasy reads (except for The Nanny Diaries as I am trying to finish that from January).  Lots of great reads to look forward to.  My goal is to surpass my January pages.  Let's see if I can do it.

Fantasy February's TBR Pile:

1. January In Progress: The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin
2. J's pick: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
3. Freebie: Tithe by Holly Black
4. Book to stage: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
5. Classic: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
6. Book club selection: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
7. Carry-over: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
8. Monthly Motif: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
9. Fun and Funny: The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul by Terry Pratchett
10. Series Pick: Roaring Midnight by Colleen Gleason
11. Library Book: Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa

December 2013 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

December's TBR Pile Recap: 

Books Read and Reviewed (10/15 books)

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
3. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
4. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
5. Tanglefoot by Cherie Priest
6. Universal Rights Down to Earth by Richard Thompson Ford
7. Flip! for Decorating by Elizabeth Mayhew
8. Final Jeopardy by Stephen Baker
9. Creative Pilgrimage by Jenny Doh
10. Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir
11. 1984 by George Orwell
12. The Children of Men by PD James
13. Inside the Creative Studio by Candace Prato
14. B is for Baby by Suzonne Stirling
15. Sanditon by Jane Austen

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2995 pages
Pages Remaining: 835,333 pages

Current Read - A Feast for Crows; In the Company of Secrets; The Fault in Our Stars (starting off 2014 with a bang!)

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed - 8 to wrap up my 2013 reading!

• Monthly Key Word
• Nerdy Nonfiction
• Steampunk
• Classics
• Mount TBR
• Fall into Reading
• Jane Austen
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks

Comments - December went better than I thought it would.  It wasn't my lowest monthly page count, but it wasn't that great. The baby calmed down enough that I could actually get some reading in here and there.  And even though I didn't get to read during my big travel day, I did finish my few leftover 2013 reads.  Looking forward to my reading in 2014!

 January's TBR Pile:

1. J's pick: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
2. J's other pick: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
3. Nonfiction: Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
4. Fluffy romance: Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale
5. Freebie: In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller
6. Series pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
7. Nonfiction: Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain
8. Book to movie: The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
9. Classic: A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
10. Book club selection: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

November 2013 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

November's TBR Pile Recap: 

Books Read and Reviewed (9/13 books)

1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
2. The Billionaire Wins the Game by Melody Anne
3. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
4. Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir
5. Love and Friendship by Jane Austen
6. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
7. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
8. Tanglefoot by Cherie Priest
9. 100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes
10. Saving Wishes by GJ Walker-Smith
11. The Watsons by Jane Austen
12. Jane Austen and the Unplesantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron
13. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3606 pages
Pages Remaining: 838,328 pages

Current Read - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  

• Romance Challenge -- Five romance books down.  Not the best selection, but fairly entertaining.
• Eclectic Challenge -- Twelve different classifications. The only one that gave me any trouble was the last category for me to read: new adult.  Finished and done.
• Zombie Challenge -- Only six zombie books this year, but I do always love some zombie...
• Witches and Witchcraft -- An interesting collection of books.
• Blogger Recommendations -- Ten interesting books recommended by other book bloggers.  Found some gems in here...
• Graphic Novel -- Another successful year of comics and graphic novels.  I can't wait to see what I discover next year.

Comments - A decent reading month, but I ended up reading a lot of books that weren't on my original list.  I've got an ambitious list for December.  I highly doubt I will get to all 12 books, but I'm certainly going to try.

December's TBR Pile:

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
3. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
4. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
5. Tanglefoot by Cherie Priest
6. Universal Rights Down to Earth by Richard Thompson Ford
7. Flip! for Decorating by Elizabeth Mayhew
8. Final Jeopardy by Stephen Baker
9. Creative Pilgrimage by Jenny Doh
10. Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir
11. 1984 by George Orwell
12. The Children of Men by PD James