December 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

December's TBR Pile (6/9):

1. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
2. Series pick: A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
3. Reread pick: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin √
4. Book Club Selection: Chocolat by Joanne Harris
5. On my shelf forever pick: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig √
6. Added: The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig √
7. Added: Soulbound by Kristin Callihan √
8. Added: Fables Vol. 21 √
9. Added: Body and Soul by Stacey Kade √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Oh No George! by Chris Haughton
2. Freight Train Trip by Susanna Leonard Hill
3. One Christmas Eve by Salina Yoon
4. In My Den by Sara Gillingham
5. On My Beach by Sara Gillingham
6. Hurry Santa by Julie Sykes
7. Red Truck by Kersten Hamilton
8. Hide and Seek Harry Around the House by Kenny Harrison
9. Dino Bites bt Algy Craig Hall
10. Come Rhyme with Me by Hans Wilhelm
11. What's Up Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills
12. It's a Tiger by David LaRochelle
13. What to Do When You're Sent to Your Room by Ann Stott
14. An Undone Fairy Tale by Ian Lendler

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 1769 pages

Pages Remaining: 774,623 pages

Current Read - Manhattan Projects Vol. 2

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- 52 Books in 52 Weeks

Comments - A decent ending to the year. I sneaked in a few books off my TBR pile right there at the end. Hoping to start off 2016 strong.

January's TBR Pile:

1. Book Club Selection: Chocolat by Joanne Harris
2. MVPA Book Club Selection: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
3. Series Pick: The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
4. Nonfiction Pick: TBD
5. Jar Pick: TBD
6. Jar Pick: TBD
7. Comics Pick: The Manhattan Projects 2 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra
8. Comics Pick: American Vampire Vol. 4 by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, and Jordi Bernet
9. Comics Pick: American Vampire Vol. 5 by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, and Dustin Nguyen
10. Comics Pick: American Vampire Vol. 6 by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque
11. Comics Pick: American Vampire Vol. 7 by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, Matias Bergara, and Dave McCaig
12. Comics Pick: Fairest Vol. 5 The Clamour for Glamour by Mark Buckingham, Bill Willingham, Russ Braun, Meghan Hetrick, and Andrew Dalhouse

November 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

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November's TBR Pile (7/13):

1. Nonfiction: The Fringe House by Jessica Turner -- DNF
2. Reread: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
3. Book club selection: Left Neglected by Lisa Genova -- DNF
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5. Series pick: Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
6. Random pick: Ex Machina Book 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
7. Fairytale Pick: After Alice by Gregory Maguire √
8. Mystery Pick: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie √
9. Added: Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson √
10. Added: Some Enchanted Evening by Christina Dodd √
11. Added: The Barefoot Princess by Christina Dodd √
12. Added: The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd √
13. Added: Warrior Women by Jeannine Davis-Kimball √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. I Love My Dinosaur by Caroline Jayne Church
2. Global Babies
3. No T. Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo
4. Mommy Mommy by Taro Gomi
5. Kiss by Jonathan Litton

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2215 pages Pages Remaining: 776,392 pages

Current Read - The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (2)

• Left Neglected by Lisa Genova -- The narrator of this book absolutely annoyed the crap out of me. I only got to page 30 before I gave up in frustration.
• The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner -- This book was recommended to me by many people. Unfortunately, Turner's constant inclusion of God turned me off.

Challenges Completed  -- None this month

Comments - Somehow November just flew by and I got very little reading done. I think this might have been my lightest month this year. Hoping to finish the year out with some good reads.

December's TBR Pile: Still totally up in the air, although I'm hoping for a few of these to get read...

1. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
2. Series pick: A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
3. Reread pick: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
4. Book Club Selection: Chocolat by Joanne Harris
5. On my shelf forever pick: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

October 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

October's TBR Pile (11/14):

1. Nonfiction: Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin √
2. Artistic pick: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
3. Book club selection: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn √
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5. Science pick: The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert √
6. Series pick: 1493 by Charles Mann
7. Book to movie: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke √
8. Feminism pick: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie √
9. Added: Saga Volume 1 √
10. Added: Saga Volume 2 √
11. Added: Saga Volume 3 √
12. Added: Saga Volume 4 √
13. Added: The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd √
14. Added: Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Click, Clack, 1 2 3 by Doreen Cronin
2. Friends by Eric Carle
3. Click, Clack, A B C by Doreen Cronin
4. Frog and Fly by Jeff Mack
5. Train! by Judi Abbot
6. Dinosaur Parade by Shari Halpern
7. Robot Smash! by Stephen Martin
8. This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne
9. Ten Pigs by Derek Anderson
10. ABC Universe by American Museum of Natural History
11. How Things Grow by Eric Carle
12. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs by Ian Whybrow
13. Caps for Sale by Esphry Slobodkina
14. My Body by Jill Ackerman
15. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
16. Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes
17. My Big Dinosaur Book by Roger Priddy
18. Baby Says "Moo" by JoAnn Early Macken
19. The Monsters' Monster by Patrick McDonnell
20. The Very Best Daddy of All by Marion Dane Bauer
21. Monster Knows Shapes by Lori Capote
22. Monster Knows Numbers by Lori Capote
23. A B See by Elizabeth Doyle
24. If Everything Were Blue by Hannah Eliot
25. Digging for Dinosaurs by Mike Goldsmith
26. Ten Little Mice by Joyce Dunbar
27. Cheers for a Dozen Ears by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky
28. Pi-Rat! by Maxine Lee
29. The Little School Bus by Margery Cuyler
30. Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug by Mem Fox
31. Now I'm Big! by Karen Katz
32. It's Only Stanley by Jon Agee
33. Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred) by Josh Schneider
34. Kat's Maps by Jon Scieszka
35. Whose Truck by Toni Buzzeo
36. Five Little Monkeys Trick-or-Treat by Eileen Christelow

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3187 pages
Pages Remaining: 778,607 pages

Current Read - Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (yes still); After Alice by Gregory Maguire

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- OLW 2015; Fairytale

Comments - I pulled out a very decent month and completed two reading challenges. I'm super excited and read some great books, Unfortunately two of my reads were pretty duds, but I'll take my stats. Looking to finish the year strong.

November's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: The Fringe House by Jessica Turner
2. Reread: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
3. Book club selection: Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (yes still)
5. Series pick: Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
6. Random pick: Ex Machina Book 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
7. Fairytale Pick: After Alice by Gregory Maguire
8. Mystery Pick: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

September 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

September's TBR Pile (5/8):

1. Nonfiction: Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
2. Book Club Selection: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
3. MVPA Book club selection: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer √
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5. Random pick: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton √
6. Favorite Author Pick: First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen √
7. Challenge Completer: Don’t Know Much About Mythology by Kenneth Davis √
8. Added: 1491 by Charles Mann √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. Thomas The Tank Engine: The Very First Stories by Rev. Awdry
2. Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
3. Nuts in Space by Elys Dolan
4. Sock Monkey Takes a Bath by Cece Bell
5. Tractor Mac Harvest Time by Billy Steers
6. Is There a Dog in This Book? by Viviane Schwarz
7. Treasure on the Tracks by Rev. Awdry
8. Thomas and the Volcano by Rev. Awdry
9. Fall is Here by Frankie Jones
10. How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen
11. Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon
12. Where's Ellie? by Salina Yoon
13. Happy Birthday Mouse by Laura Numeroff
14. Let's Look at Construction by Britta Teckentrup
15. Tractor Mac New Friends by Billy Steers
16. Supertruck by Stephen Savage
17. Good Morning, Busytown by Richard Scarry
18. Firefighters! Speeding! Spraying! Saving! by Patricia Hubbell
19. If I Had a Triceratops by George O'Connor
20. ABC on Wings by Ramon Olivera
21. Bear Counts by Karma Wilson
22. The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Jeanne Willis
23. Snappy Birthday by Mark Sperring

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2142 pages
Pages Remaining: 781,794 pages

Current Read - Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- Dewey Decimal: one book for each major section of the Dewey Decimal system. I really enjoy nonfiction so this challenge is great for me!

Comments - And I've hit my inevitable reading slump... I knew it was bound to happen sometime in the fall. I've been so busy with activities and planning for other activities that my reading took a nose dive. It also didn't help that I read two very involved books (The Distant Hours and 1491) that seemed to take forever! Here's hoping October goes a bit better.

October's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
2. Artistic pick: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
3. Book club selection: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5. Science pick: The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
6. Series pick: 1493 by Charles Mann
7. Book to movie: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
8. Feminism pick: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

August 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

August's TBR Pile (12/13):

1. Nonfiction: Creative Lettering by Jenny Doh √
2. Science Pick: How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson √
3. Writing Pick: Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson √
4. Crafty Pick: The Complete Decorated Journal by Gwen Diehn √
5. Self-Help Pick: The Crafter’s Devotional by Barbara Call √
6. Home Pick: Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik √
7. History Pick: The Secret Museum by Molly Oldfield √
8. Book club selection: Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara √
9. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
10. Random pick: Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple √
11. Series Ender: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore √
12. Added: Common Phrases by Myron Korach √
13. Added: Interest by Kevin Gaughen √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. But Not the Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton
2. The Little Dump Truck by Margery Cuyler
3. Elmo at the Zoo by Lori Froeb
4. Thomas and Friends Blue Mountain Mystery by by Reverend Awdry
5. Roar, Roar Baby by Karen Katz
6. Trains, Cranes, and Troublesome Trucks by Reverend Awdry
7. How Penguin Says Please by Abigail Samoun
8. 3, 2, 1... Circus! by William Wegman
9. Things that Go
10. Trucks by Debbie Powell
11. Dinosaur Opposites by Stickland
12. My First Books of Things that Go by Alain Gree
13. Duck and Goose How are You Feeling? by Tad Hills
14. What's Your Sound Hound the Hound by Mo Willems
15. Jungle Animals
16. Cookiebot by Katie Van Camp
17. A Line Can Be by Laura Ljungkvist
18. Super Guinea Pig to the Rescue by Udo Weigelt
19. Go to Bed, Monster by Natasha Wing
20. R is for Robot by Adam Watkins
21. Alphabet Trucks by Samantha Vamos
22. Never Ask a Dinosaur to Dinner by Gareth Edwards
23. Sun Above and Blooms Below by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky
24. Daddy Sat on a Duck by Scott Cohn
25. My Dinosaur is More Awesome by Simon Coster
26. What's Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle
27. Are We There Yeti? by Ashlyn Anstee
28. Boats Go by Steve Light
29. Dog Comes Too by Hazel Hutchins
30. I'm Dirty by Kate McMullan
31. Bizzy Bear Knights' Castle by Benji Davies
32. Red Wagon by Renata Liwska
33. Hi by Ethan Long
34. Pug in a Truck by Nancy Coffelt
35. Let's Look at Trains by Britta Teckentrup
36. Good Night Thomas by Reverend Awdry
37. Who's That On the Go by Tad Carpenter
38. Bug Patrol by Denise Dowling Mortensen
39. Race Car is Roaring by Mandy Archer
40. Digger to the Rescue by Mandy Archer
41. Silly Street by Steve Bjorkman
42. Spot a Lot Vehicle Adventure by Steve Smallman
43. Truckery Rhymes by Jon Scieszka
44. How Do Dinosaurs Say good Night? by Jane Yolen
45. Tractor Saves the Day by Mandy Archer
46. Cool Cars by Tony Mitton
47. Through the Town by Craig Shuttlewood
48. Jackson and Bud's Bumpy Ride by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3862 pages
Pages Remaining: 783,936 pages

Current Read - Dragon in Amber by Diana Gabaldon; Mortal Fear by Greg Iles

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (1) - Mortal Fear by Greg Iles. This was a book club selection for this month and after 150 pages, I just didn't care about this book at all.

Challenges Completed  -- What's in a name: harder challenge given the odd categories, but I did it!  Mount TBR: 36 Books straight off my shelves! Woohoo!

Comments - Very good month! I'm very excited to be average 3500 pages a month lately. I feel like I've actually be prioritizing reading above things like television. Go me!

September's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
2. Book Club Selection: TBD
3. MVPA Book club selection: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
4. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
5. Random pick: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
6. Favorite Author Pick: First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
7. Challenge Completer: Don't Know Much About Mythology by Kenneth Davis

July 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

July's TBR Pile (10/11):

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 √
8. Added: Highlander Unbound by Julia London √
9. Added: Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie by Kate Chopin √
10. Added: The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke √
11. Added: The F Word by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner √

Picture Book Roundup:

1. An Awesome Book by Dallas Clayton
2. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle
3. Big and Little Things That Go
4. 10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle
5. My Blankie by Alice Beauvisage
6. Who's That Roaring?
7. Who Flies Cat the Cat by Mo Willems
8. Monster Mess by Margery Cuyler
9. Who's That Eating?
10. Zoom, Zoom Baby by Karen Katz
11. Love Monster and the Perfect Present by Rachel Bright
12. The Bear's Sea Escape by Benjamin Chadd
13. Hello Airplane! by Bill Cotter
14. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
15. The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
16. Chug Chug Tractor by Dawn Sirett
17. Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle
18. Dinosaur vs. School by Bob Shea
19. Dino Shapes by Suse MacDonald
20. My Turn to Learn Numbers by Natalie Marshall
21. Cowboy Camp by Tammi Sauer
22. My First Trucks by Sarah Davis
23. The Many Mice of Mr. Brice by Dr. Seuss
24. Buzz Buzz Baby by Karen Katz
25. Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck by Lisa Wheeler
26. I'm a Truck by Dennis Shealy

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 3438 pages
Pages Remaining: 787,798 pages

Current Read - Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- 15 New-to-Me Authors read!

Comments - I stayed on track with my reading and knocked out a ton of books and pages this month. Next month is very ambitious, but I think I can do it!

August's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Creative Lettering by Jenny Doh
2. Science Pick: How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson
3. Writing Pick: Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson
4. Crafty Pick: The Complete Decorated Journal by Gwen Diehn
5. Self-Help Pick: The Crafter's Devotional by Barbara Call
6. Home Pick; Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik
7. History Pick: The Secret Museum by Molly Oldfield
8. Book club selection: Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
9. Carry-over: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
10. Random pick: Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
11. Series Ender: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

June 2015 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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