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Top Ten Tuesday - Love Stories

Top Ten Love Stories

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

My Top Ten:

1. Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth from Persuasion -- Favorite Austen novel. Her best characters.  Awesome story of love lost and found again. Wentworth!

2. Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series -- Long (very long) and complicated love story, but amazing nonetheless.

3. Pooh and Christopher Robin -- different type of love story, but still a classic love story

4. Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner from Atonement by Ian McEwan -- a doomed love, but so beautiful. And the movie was just gorgeous.

5. Arthur Dent and Trillion from Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Funny, nerdy love.

6. Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning -- Yes I know, not a literary story, but an awesome literary love story.

7. Wesley and Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride -- Horrible names, but a good story.

8. Eowyn and Faramir from LOTR -- I know, I know Arwen and Aragon is the favorite couple, but I definitely prefer the other love story.  I love these characters so much more.

9. Jo and Laurie from Little Women -- I know they didn't end up together, but they should of ended up together.  Laurie marrying Amy just seemed like a conciliation prize.

10. Mary and Colin from The Secret Garden -- Another love story that ended with tragically with Colin dying (sorry spoiler, but it is a classic, everyone should have read this already) and Mary marrying the other guy (cannot remember his name, that's how memorable he is).

To many I am a pessimist when it comes to love, but deep down I am romantic at heart.  I love a good love story.  Not those crazy Harlequin romances (every once in a while, but nothing that's really going to affect me), but deep stories of love.

tags: lists, love, Top Ten Tuesday
categories: Books
Tuesday 02.15.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Loving Mumford & Sons

So who saw Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, and Bob Dylan on the Grammys last night? Best performance of the night (and I loved Eminem, Dr. Dre, Rihanna, and that other chick). While their actual performance was amazing, Mumford also played KROQ's pre-Grammy party. I found this great live version of "Little Lion Man" on YouTube.com. Enjoy! 

tags: Mumford & Sons
categories: Music
Monday 02.14.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday - The Band Perry "You Lie"

In honor of Valentine's Day (not a holiday I particularly love, mostly because of my track record), I submit a great song for all of you who have been wronged in the past.  A catchy tune from a great new country band.  Notice the play on words.... such fun for geeks like me.

It ain't complicated Well, I've grown to hate it I never liked the taste of crow but baby I ate it They tried to warn me They said that you were ornery So don't bring me those big brown eyes and tell me that you're sorry Well you might as well throw gasoline on a fire The way you lie

You lie like a priceless Persian rug on a rich man's floor You lie like a coon dog basking in the sunshine on my porch You like like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery store It just comes way too natural to you The way you lie

Well, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do I'm gonna drive into the big ol' muddy river I'm gonna park my car in the middle of the mile-long bridge And then I'm gonna cry well maybe just a little Then I'm gonna slip off the ring that you put on my finger Give it a big ol' fling and watch it sink Down, down, down There it's gonna lie Until the Lord comes back around

Please sing to all your ex-boyfriends! And I think this would make a great karaoke song....

tags: The Band Perry
categories: Music
Monday 02.14.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Flip This Zombie by Jesse Petersen

Title: Flip This Zombie (Living with the Dead Book 2)

Author: Jesse Petersen

Publisher: Orbit Books 2011

Genre: Zombies

Pages: 250

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Zombies; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Authors: P

The Zombie Apocalypse has been good to Sarah and David. Their marriage is better than ever. They communicate well, share responsibilities, and now, they're starting a business. ZombieBusters-for all your zombie extermination needs.

There are lots of zombies and that means lots of customers...Except one of them doesn't want the zombies dead, he wants them alive and ready for experimentation. Mad scientists make for difficult clients and this time, Sarah and David might have bitten off more than they can chew.

Book 2 in the Living with the Dead series doesn't fail to entertain.  The first book found David and Sarah Walker dealing with a collapsing marriage and a zombie apocalypse.  This time they're back with a strong marriage and a new business venture, Zombie Exterminators, Inc.  They're joined by a slightly weird 11 year old and a creepy scientist.  As soon as the second book came out, I ran to the library (okay I didn't run, but definitely got there fast) and searched for the book.  It wasn't on the shelf!  NO!!!  I looked in the catalogue, and it was there, but in a mysterious part labeled "Popular Library."  Don't fear, I figured it out and found the recognizable hot pink cover.

All around, a rollicking good zombie killing time.  I do love zombie stories that don't take themselves too seriously.  The series does a great job at including funny one liners and pop culture references.  Very excited about this series.  A quick read, but lots of fun.  Definitely can't wait until the third book comes out.  Alas no definite date set...  Just have to wait and find out if Sarah and David find the fabled Western Wall.

Living with the Dead

  • #1 Married with Zombies
  • #2 Flip This Zombie
  • #3 Eat, Slay, Love
  • #3.5 Shambling with the Stars
  • #4 The Zombie Whisperer
tags: 5 stars, Jesse Petersen, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 02.13.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols

Title: At the Scent of Water

Author: Linda Nichols

Publisher: Bethany House 2004

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 414

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z Authors: N (doesn't fit anywhere else, but such a a great book!)

Life is rewarding for Samuel Truelove. He's a gifted surgeon, he's married to the love of his life, and he has a beautiful daughter. But when he's called to perform an emergency surgery, a deadly cascade of events is set in motion, and his picture-perfect life begins to unravel....

Annie Truelove, hoping to escape painful reminders of her grief, leaves her beloved home in the mountains of North Carolina and begins a new life in faraway Seattle. But a disturbing headline takes her back home, where memories of both joy and sorrow come flooding back. What will it take to heal two broken hearts?

My friend C picked this book off of the coffeehouse borrowing shelf.  You borrow a book, you add a book.  It's a great little system.  C read it in just a few days, gave it to me, and told me that I had to read this book.  So I began (after readying myself with a silly zombie book).

This book moved me.  Not just a little story of loss, but a deeply moving portayal of lost people struggling to find their place (forward or backward).  I found myself tearing up throughout the book.  The characters' pain was so intense, I felt it through the pages.  This wasn't a book that I could read in the car line at school or in the five minutes I waiting for a friend.  This was an intense reading book.  I had to block out an hour or two here and there to read.  I had to devote all my energy to the book.  But once I did, I was sucked into Linda Nichols world.  And loved every minute of it.

Linda Nichols has an amazing ability to weave an intricate story told through multple perspectives, but each one as real as you or me.  I rooted for each and every character.  I urged them to find their way, their happiness, even as I am struggling to find mine in real life.  I feel like this book came at the exact right time for me, just what I needed.  Although very sad, ultimately a story of hope and encouragement.  Sometimes we need to stumble and fall before we can dance....

Now I need to pass off the book to another friend.  Eventually it will get put back on the loaning bookshelf, but I will recommend it to all I know.  The next book I read will not compare to this one... so I think something lighter in fare is in order.  Zombies anyone?

tags: 5 stars, fiction, Linda Nichols
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.11.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 5
 

Life Between a Rock and a Hard Place

The last few months have been tough challenging usual excruciating.  I don't want to go into specifics, but let's just say it's getting harder and harder every day to put on a happy smile and face the challenges.  I've gained weight, lost sleep (insomnia is a great friend of mine), skin has broken out, and hair has fallen out.  Stress has definitely taken a toll on my body.  I have almost weekly migraines and more often tension headaches. Lately I've had many conflicting plans.  What's the right choice?  If I chose Option A, I have x consequences.  If I chose Option B, I have a whole other set of x consequences.  How do I weigh all the interests, consequences, and potentials outcomes (good and bad)?  All the advice I've received conflicts.  Some tell me Option A, some OptionB, and some other undetermined option.  I really don't know...  All I know is that right now I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.  And neither one are moving anytime soon.

On a slighty happy side note, last night I received a package from Amazon.  My first thought: am I buying things on Amazon and don't remember?  Nope, I haven't been shopping in my sleep. J sent me an early Valentine's Day present (at least I'm assuming, but considering he isn't all that supportive of V-Day, don't know and don't care).  It was exactly what I needed last night: chocolate.  Dark chocolate.  Dark chocolate with mint.  Dark chocolate with caramel.  Dark chocolate with raspberries.  Heaven in a heart shaped tin!

tags: chocolate, obstacles
categories: Life
Wednesday 02.09.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Quote Wednesday - Lanier

"Music is love in search of a word." -- Sidney Lanier

Music is what gets me through the day.  It is what consoles my spirit.  It is what expresses my joy.  It is what inspires me.  It is what laughs with me (or even at me).  It is what help me connect with others.

I love music.  I don't know how I would live my life without music (and books, but that's a given).  I was asked a question during a stupid ice breaker in college: if you had to, which sense would you not mind losing eyesight or hearing?  I would lose my eyesight in a second (already losing it, so whatever).  I would die losing my hearing.  I need music.  I need to hear the beautiful melodies, the discordant tones, the lyrics, the rhythm.

Is a life fully lived without music?  I would say no... it's a life wanting, missing an integral part.  Now I must go listen to some music.  The only problem: what to choose?  There's too many choices.  I think I'll just put it on random...

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 02.09.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Top Ten Tuesday - Names

Top Ten Characters I'd Name My Children After

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

My Top Ten:

1. Elizabeth Rose: After Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice.  Lizzie or Eliza for short.

2. Georgiana Jane: After Georgiana Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.  Gigi or Georgie for short.

3. Arthur Dent: From Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  J insists, but I'm actually okay with this choice.

4. Emmeline: After Emma Woodhouse from Emma. I don't like just Emma, but Emmeline can be shortened to Emma if we choose.  (Notice the Jane Austen trend?)

5. Dorian Grey: From The Picture of Dorian Grey. Not a good, morale character, but such a great name that I had to add it.

6. Ophelia: From Shakespeare's Hamlet. Horrible ending for the character, but I so love her name.

7. Frances Price: After Fanny Price from Mansfield Park. Another great Jane Austen character and name.  Plus, Frances is my middle name, so keeping it in the family.

8. Evelyn Lyra: After Lyra from Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy.  First names must be able to be shortened, so Lyra cannot be a first name.  Perhaps a middle name.

9. Sophie Anne Elliot: After Anne Elliot from Austen's Persuasion, my favorite book, but the name needs a bit more.

10. Alice (or Alyss) Heart: After Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  One of all-time favorite books.

Some other possibilities: Cordelia (King Lear), Katharina (Taming of the Shrew), Josephine (Little Women), Rosalind (As You Like It), Edmund (Mansfield Park), Penelope (The Odyssey), Sam (The Maltese Falcon)... I could keep going, but I think that's a good list.

I would love to name my future children after great literary characters.  Names with meaning, strength, beauty, etc.  Plus, it would also be an interesting story.

tags: lists, Top Ten Tuesday
categories: Books
Tuesday 02.08.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Valentine's Day is Killing Me

Title: Valentine's Day is Killing Me

Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Leslie Esdaile, Susanna Carr

Publisher: Kensington 2006

Genre: Romance

Pages: 295

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; February Romance Month; A to Z Titles: V

Another short story compilation, this time Valentine's Day themed.  Like almost every compilation I pick up, I like some of the stories, and not some of the stories.  This one included:

  • Cuffs and Coffee Breaks by MaryJanice Davidson -- Already love Davidson and this story was a fun adventure "who dun it."  The only think that I didn't like was the logic with the crime featured.  It seemed a little convuluted, more like a plot device than a real crime.  The two main characters were fun and likable.  Overall I did like this story.
  • A "No Drama" Valentine's by Leslie Esdaile -- Just could not get into this story at all.  Maybe it was the writing, maybe the characters, maybe the plot.  I just didn't enjoy reading this one.
  • Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr -- Fairly interesting story, fairly interesting characters.  I give this one a middle grade, not amazing, but not horrible.  The main character was a little too neurotic for my tastes.

A fairly decdent Valentine's Day themed compilation.  Maybe I'll pick up another one this month.  Until then, I'm going to move to a book recommended by a friend.  It's a little heavier in tone, but she says it was amazing.

tags: 3 stars, anthology, romance
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 02.07.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Music Monday - Regina Spektor "Blue Lips"

I love Regina Spektor.  She's so weird... in a good way.  Her music is very unsuaul, definitely not everyone's cup of tea.  But that's okay, I like it.  I stumbled onto her album Begin to Hope right as "Fidelity" hit some of the radio stations.  It was a moderate hit, and then faded into the background.  I stayed with her.  I listened to that album nonstop for a awhile.  And then she released Far. And it was much quirkier than Begin to Hope.  And I liked the quirkiness. By far, my favorite song on the album is "Blue Lips."  Right away I liked the music.  And then I started to listen to the lyrics.  It took me a awhile to really get them.  Her lyrics are often intricate, sometimes confusing, but always interesting.  I relate to her questioning of religions... is all the mindless submission really the point?  Aren't we supposed to question?  Shouldn't we attempt to understand?

I had to include the full lyrics, because one part just doesn't make any sense.  It's a story; a story of revelation.

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And all the Gods and all the worlds Began colliding on a backdrop of blue

Blue lips, blue veins

He took a step but then felt tired, he said I'll rest a little while But when he tried to walk again he wasn't a child And all the people hurried fast, real fast And no one ever smiled

Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And no one saw and no one heard, they just followed lead The pictures in his mind awoke and began to breed

They started out, beneath the knowledge tree And they chopped it down to make white picket fences And marching along the railroad tracks They smile real wide for the camera lenses They made it past the enemy lines Just to become enslaved in the assembly lines

tags: Regina Spektor
categories: Music
Monday 02.07.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Zombies for Zombies by David P. Murphy

Title: Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead

Author: David P. Murphy

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. 2009

Genre: Zombies

Pages: 239

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Zombies; A to Z Titles: Z

So you've been bitten by a zombie. Bummer.

And so begins a great self-help guide to the transition to zombie state.  I absolutely love my zombies and this great guide really prepared me for the eventual future of becoming a zombie.  The tongue-in-cheek style was awesome.  A hilarious mix of facts, hypotheticals, and downright funnies.

Included in this guide:

  • How to dress for your new lifestyle
  • Great tricks for getting bloodstains out of your clothes
  • Handy recipes for brains
  • Deep stuff concerning spirituality
  • Fitness ideas for keeping you toned and somewhat energetic
  • New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome"
  • Proper grooming
  • How to overcome that darned zombie social stigma
  • Dance steps for the motor-impaired
  • Handy recipes for brains (yes, I know I'm repeating myself, but soon you'll be showing a lot more interest in brains

I would recommend this book to everyone.  We need to be prepared for the coming zombie apocalypse.  We really need more authors to write guides to help us with the future.  Pair this book with The Zombie Survival Guide and you have a great addition to your library.

tags: 5 stars, David P- Murphy, zombies
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 02.05.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 2
 

Dream Vacation: Disney World

Sitting in snowy Indiana, I start to travel (in my mind of course).  Where do I go?  Better question: Where do I start?  I thought I would include a weekly or so post about my dream vacation places.  This week: Disney World.

I went to Disney World almost every other year as a child.  And I loved it!  Grandma and Grandpa lived in Florida (Jupiter, near West Palm Beach) all through my childhood.  We would visit them yearly, and sometimes we would drive up to Disney World.  I haven't been there in probably 15-20 years.  I would love to see the changes to the parks.  Last time I was there, the Animal Kingdom didn't even exist...  Typhoon Lagoon had just opened (awesome water park), but now there's Blizzard Beach also.  Towards the end of my stay in Florida, the family started going to other amusement parks, specifically Universal Studios, instead of Disney.  But Disney always held a special place in my heart.

My mom has been kicking around the idea of taking my boys to Disney World at the end of the school year.  Mom's looking into inclusive packages (hotels, food, parks, airfare, and other attractions) for one low price.  Okay not low, but lower than the advertised prices.  The deal is she will pay for the boys and any adults that come (i.e. me, my stepdad, and possibly J) must pay for themselves.  I could do that.  The boys are of an age that I think they could handle the rigors of Disney.  And I would get to go to Disney again.

Say what you want about commercialization, I love Disney World.  I want to ride Space Mountain and have breakfast with the characters and check out the cheesiness of Tomorrow Land (hover crafts anyone?).  And eat in Mexico's outdoor seeming courtyard at Epcot (always my favorite) and ride the dinosaur ride (hope it's still there).  And climb into the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, always a fun treat.  And sing along to the birds in the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room (hope they're still there).  And ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Snow White and Peter Pan and Dumbo... all the old rides.  And see the new rides.  And swim in the waterparks.  And eat some overpriced, but still good food.  And get a chocolate covered frozen banana as a cool treat.  And see the laser parade at night.  I could go on all day.

In preparation for a possible trip, I checked out a few Disney guides from the library.  I love looking at travel books/guides.  I like planning, making itineraries, things to see.  I do spontaneity, but like to have a basic plan.  So I started a Disney World notebook, highlighting the must see attractions, tips, and general information.  And we haven't even booked anything yet.  But mark my words, we will get there this summer.  We have to get there this summer.  I need my Disney World fix.

tags: vacation
categories: Life
Thursday 02.03.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Wildflower Brides

Title: Wildflower Brides: Four Romances Blossom Along the Oregon Trail

Author: Andrea Boeshaar, Cathy Marie Hake, Sally Laity, Pamela Kaye Tracy

Publisher: Barbour Publishing 2002

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Pages: 350

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; February Romance Month; A to Z Titles: W

So I just don't really know what to say about this one.  I liked it, but didn't like it.  It had some good parts, but then really predictable parts.  This anthology falls into my Christian historical fiction dilemma.  I like them, but don't like them.  I have mixed feelings about the entire genre.  I did like this one because the four stories, all written by different authors, were set in the same wagon train heading for Oregon.  The crossover of characters was a nice touch.  The story was definitely more believable than many of the Christian historical fiction that I've read in the past.  However, it wasn't anything exciting.  A nice read during a snowy day.

tags: 3 stars, anthology, historical fiction, romance
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 02.02.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Quote Wednesday - Ruskin

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.  ~John Ruskin

The past few days have been crazy.  They've called it Snowpocalypse 2011, but that's a little extreme.  Yes, it snowed heavily for the past few days.  Last night we had major wind gusts.  And this morning, most of the city is closed down.  In fact, our county was put under a Level 1 Snow Emergency (no travel except for emergency vehicles).  But, it's not the end of the world.  We live in Indiana, and guess what, it snows often.  It's really not as bad as everyone is making it out to be.  Common sense goes a long way.

So, what's all this mean to me?  Pretty snow.  Lazy days inside.  Snuggling under blankets.  I like snowy days.  I like the snow.  I really do like winter.  Well, most of winter anyway.  The below zero temperatures get a bit much, but I like the snow and the need for fires.  The only way it could be better... if J was here.  Alas, I will just have to snuggle with the boys.  I feel a movie night coming on...

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 02.02.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Bespelling Jane

Title: Bespelling Jane Austen

Author: Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany

Publisher: HQN 2010

Genre: Paranormal; Jane Austen

Pages: 377

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Vampires

Jane Austen retells, vampires, witches, and romance... must read.  I absolutely loved this book!  Well, all except the last story, but that had more to do with the writing style than the subject matter.  The volume consisted of four short retellings of Austen novels with paranormal twists.

  1. Almost Persuaded by Mary Balogh -- a retelling of my favorite Austen novel Persuasion, but through reincarnation.  I loved that this story was still set in the Regency era world of Austen.  The characters, similarly but not the exact same as Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, were perfectly cast into the world.  I liked the reincarnation twist to the story.  It was an interesting change; not an intrusive one.
  2. Northanger Castle by Colleen Gleason -- Northanger Abbey but filled with the threat of vampires.  Well, more of the idea of the threat of vampires.  For our heroine Caroline Merrill doesn't have any real evidence of vampires existing, but she looks for them anyway.  Imagine her surprise when it turns out there really are vampires in Regency era England.  My second favorite Austen book retold.
  3. Blood and Prejudice by Susan Krinard -- Another vampire retelling.  This time set in today's world but inhabited by the familiar characters of Bingley, Darcy, and the Bennett.  Good story, but not the absolute best from the book.
  4. Little to Hex Her by Janet Mullany -- A retelling of Emma, but in a modern world with vampires, witches, elves, werewolves, and various other supernatural beings.  I just couldn't get into this story.  I read it, but definitely didn't enjoy it like the others.  This may be because Emma is my least favorite of the Austen novels.

Must read for fans of the genre of Austen retellings, sequels, spin-off, and prequels.  I will definitely recommend this one!

tags: 5 stars, anthology, Jane Austen, romance, vampire
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 02.01.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

January 2011 Wrap-Up

This wrap-up post will mainly deal with my reading challenges, but I might also discuss any big life developments and/or fun events.

Books Read and Reviewed (15 books)

The Lightkeeper's Daughter (A Mercy Falls Novel) -- Colleen Coble

The Lightkeeper's Bride (A Mercy Falls Novel) -- Colleen Coble

The Royal Treatment -- MaryJanice Davidson

The Royal Pain -- MaryJanice Davidson

A Girl's Guide to Vampires -- Katie MacAlister

Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don't Float -- Sarah Schmelling

The Monsters of Templeton -- Lauren Groff

Bloodsucking Fiends -- Christopher Moore

You Suck -- Christopher Moore

Bite Me -- Christopher Moore

Archenemy -- Frank Beddor

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 1 -- Alan Moore

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 2 -- Alan Moore

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Black Dossier -- Alan Moore

Current Read

Bespelling Jane - Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany

Books I Gave Up On (2 books)

The Cat's Meow -- Melissa de la Cruz (just could not get into it at all)

The Everything Green Classroom Book -- Tessa Hill (boring, boring, and extra boring)

Books Bought (28 books)

A Girl's Guide to Vampires -- Katie MacAlister

Pride and Prejudice: The Graphic Novel

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel

Half Price Books Selections (13 books for $20!):

* A Reliable Wife -- Robert Goolrick

* Nigh World Vol. 1 -- L.J. Smith

* Garden Spells -- Sarah Addison Allen

* Her Ladyship's Companion -- Evangeline Collins

* The Nanny Diaries --Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

* Inklings -- Melanie M. Jeschke

* Pope Joan -- Donna Woolfolk Cross

* Ender's Game -- Orson Scott Card

* The Spring of the Ram (House of Niccolo II) -- Dorothy Dunnett

* Scales of Gold (House of Niccolo IV) -- Dorothy Dunnett

* The Unicorn Hunt (House of Niccolo V) -- Dorothy Dunnett

* To Lie with Lions (House of Niccolo VI) -- Dorothy Dunnett

* Caprice and Romeo (House of Niccolo VII) -- Dorothy Dunnett

Book CloseOuts:

*Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander -- Ann Herendeen

*The Firemaster's Mistress -- Christie Dickason

*Introducing Vivian Leigh Reid: Daughter of te Diva -- Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

*Now Starring Vivian Leigh Reid: Diva in Training -- Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

*The New and Improved Vivian Leigh Reid: Diva in Control -- Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

*The Perfect Bride -- Eileen Putman

*13: The Story of the World's Most Notorious Superstition -- Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

*Earthly Pleasures -- Karen Neches

*Spirited Away -- Pamela Labud

*Abomination -- Colleen Coble

*In the Shadow of the Sun King -- Golden Keyes Parsons

*Austenland -- Shannon Hale

Comments

Overall I am happy with my reading progress.  I have tried to commit myself to reading at least an hour each day and have done fairly well.  Of course, some days I get busy with activities and boys and don't get to the reading part.  Others I have a good chunk of time to devote without sacrificing time the boys.  Hopefully I can keep up this pace through the rest of the year.  My reading challenges are going well, even with me adding a few more to my list.  I think the total is 15 different challenges (a few are month long ones for the entire year).  Thankfully I do have enough cross overs that the total number of books I need to read isn't out of control.  I did join The Centurions of 2011 on Facebook, so I am committed to at least 111 books in 2011... I think I can do it, just need to keep reading.

As to my book buying, I am done for the next few months.  I try not to buy books in the first place, knowing that I have limit funds and time.  Plus I already have a few (not going to count) boxes of books sitting in my dad's house awaiting moving.  I need to focus on getting through those and the library pile that seems to be multiplying.  So I am done buying, and hopefully I won't get derailed from that goal.  Yeah I'm thinking about you B!

categories: Monthly Wrap-Up
Tuesday 02.01.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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