Lives in Ruins by Marilyn Johnson

Title: Life in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble

Author: Marilyn Johnson

Publisher: HarperCollins 2014

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 274

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Library; 52 Books - W1; Dewey Decimal - 900s

Pompeii, Machu Picchu, the Valley of the Kings, the Parthenon—the names of these legendary archaeological sites conjure up romance and mystery. The news is full of archaeology: treasures found (British king under parking lot) and treasures lost (looters, bulldozers, natural disaster, and war). Archaeological research tantalizes us with possibilities (are modern humans really part Neandertal?). Where are the archaeologists behind these stories? What kind of work do they actually do, and why does it matter?

Marilyn Johnson’s Lives in Ruins is an absorbing and entertaining look at the lives of contemporary archaeologists as they sweat under the sun for clues to the puzzle of our past. Johnson digs and drinks alongside archaeologists, chases them through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and even Machu Picchu, and excavates their lives. Her subjects share stories we rarely read in history books, about slaves and Ice Age hunters, ordinary soldiers of the American Revolution, children of the first century, Chinese woman warriors, sunken fleets, mummies.

A great book to start off my 2015 reading adventure!  I always love a good history related volume and this one does not disappoint.  The reader is taken through a survey of archaeology today.  We ride along as Johnson signs up for field school and learns about some forgotten history in the Caribbean.  We chat with noted modern archaeologists on their journeys to the discipline.  We commiserate with fellow history lovers at the loss of relics due to negligence, impatience, ignorance, or willful destruction.  All throughout, Johnson teaches us the value of a discipline that seems to be disappearing.  I was riveted by her stories.  This book made me want to be an archaeologist, just like that little 8 year old girl reading about King Tut's tomb...

2014 Reading Challenge Round-Up - Completed

Here are my final totals for my 2014 reading challenges.  I did decently, but wished I had knocked out some more of my perpetual challenge books.

Goal: 14/14 books  DONE!!!!

1. Visit The Country: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn (7/1/14)
2. Cover Lust: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (6/10/14)
3. Blame it on Bloggers: The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis (8/19/14)
4. Bargain All The Way: Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale (1/30/14)
5. (Not So) Fresh From the Oven: The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen (3/23/14)
6. First Letter’s Rule: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn (8/16/14)
7. Once Upon a Time: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (3/19/14)
8. Chunky Brick: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein (3/15/14)
9. Favorite Author: American Gods by Neil Gaiman (5/15/14)
10. It’s Been There Forever: Beloved by Toni Morrison (12/5/14)
11. Movies vs Books: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (9/17/14)
12. Freebies Time: Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano (4/30/14)
13. Not My Cup of Tea: Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg (6/1/14)
14. Walking Down The Memory Lane: Wicked by Gregory Maguire (4/5/14)

Goal: 52/52 books DONE!!!!!

1. In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller (1/3/14)
2. Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain (1/7/14)
3. Shambling with the Stars by Jesse Petersen (1/12/14)
4. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (1/19/14)
5. Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale (1/30/14)
6. Tithe by Holly Black (2/4/14)
7. The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin (2/9/14)
8. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa (2/21/14)
9. Sh*tty Mom by Laurie Kilmartin et al (2/23/14)
10. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (3/7/14)
11. The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCOy (3/15/14)
12. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (3/19/14)
13. The Zombie Whisperer by Jesse Petersen (3/23/14)
14. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim (3/30/14)
15. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (4/12/14)
16. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (4/19/14)
17. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (4/22/14)
18. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling (4/30/14)
19. Ember by Kristen Callihan (5/6/14)
20. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (5/15/14)
21. The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan (5/24/14)
22. Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews (5/28/14)
23. Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg (6/1/14)
24. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (6/10/14)
25. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (6/15/14)
26. Death in Yellowstone by Lee Whittlesey (6/22/14)
27. Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn (7/1/14)
28. Fables Vol 19: Snow White (7/6/14)
29. Fairest Vol 2: Hidden Kingdom (7/14/14)
30. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (7/20/14)
31. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby (7/30/14)
32. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (8/7/14)
33. Sunrise by Mike Mullin (8/10/14)
34. Reasons My Kid is Crying by Greg Pembroke (8/19/14)
35. Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon (8/26/14)
36. Washington by Ron Chernow (9/7/14)
37. Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan (9/8/14)
38. Fairest Vol 3: The Return of the Maharaja (9/15/14)
39. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (9/23/14)
40. No Turning Back by Estelle Freedman (9/29/14)
41. Entwined by Kristen Callihan (10/7/14)
42. Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan (10/14/14)
43. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (10/20/14)
44. The Awakening by Kate Chopin (10/27/14)
45. Authority by Jeff Vandermeer (11/6/14)
46. Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer (11/9/14)
47. Evernight by Kristen Callihan (11/16/14)
48. Divergent by Veronica Roth (11/28/14)
49. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (12/1/14)
50. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (12/11/14)
51. Beloved by Toni Morrison (12/18/14)
52. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin (12/19/14)

Goal: 36/36 books  DONE!!!!!

1. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (4/12/14)
2. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster (1/24/14)
3. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin (2/9/14)
4. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby (1/24/14)
5. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (7/10/14)
6. What Ifs of American History edited by Robert Cowley (3/24/14)
7. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (4/19/14)
8. The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan (5/24/14)
9. Locke and Key Vol 6: Alpha and Omega (7/3/14)
10. Fables Vol 19: Snow White (7/6/14)
11. Fairest Vol 1: Wide Awake (7/10/14)
12. Firelight by Kristen Callihan (7/12/14)
13. Fairest Vol 2: Hidden Kingdom (7/14/13)
14. Fairest: In All the Land (7/19/14)
15. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (7/20/14)
16. Sunrise by Mike Mullin (8/10/14)
17. Handmade to Sell by Kelly Rand (7/27/14)
18. Pinterest Perfect by Walter Foster Creative Team (7/27/14)
19. Journal Bliss by Violette (7/27/14)
20. How to Sell Your Crafts Online by Derrick Sutton (7/27/14)
21. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby (7/30/14)
22. Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn (8/16/14)
23. Reasons My Kid is Crying by Greg Pembroke (8/19/14)
24. The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis (8/19/14)
25. Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (8/21/14)
26. Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan (9/8/14)
27. Fairest Vol 3: The Return of the Maharaja (9/15/14)
28. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (9/17/14)
29. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (9/23/14)
30. No Turning Back by Estelle Freedman (9/29/14)
31. Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan (10/14/14)
32. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (10/20/14)
33. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (8/29/14)
34. Evernight by Kristen Callihan (11/16/14)
35. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (12/1/14)
36. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin (12/19/14)

Goal: 12/12 books and movies DONE!!!!!

1. City of Bones (8/29/14)
2. Casino Royale (8/7/14)
3. The Nanny Diaries (2/9/14)
4. High Fidelity (1/24/14)
5. The Fault in Our Stars (1/11/14)
6. Peter Pan (2/28/14)
7. A Room with a View (1/24/14)
8. Wicked (4/5/14)
9. How I Live Now (4/22/14)
10. A Long Way Down (7/30/14)
11. Divergent (11/28/14)
12. The Hobbit (12/1/14)

Top 100 YA Novels

Goal: 5/5 books  DONE!!!!

1. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (8/29/14)
2. Tithe by Holly Black (2/4/13)
3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (8/12/14)
4. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (9/23/14)
5. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (11/25/14)

Goal: 15/15 authors  DONE!!!!!

1. Sherman Alexie (8/12/14)
2. Jay Asher (11/25/14)
3. Kristen Callihan (5/6/14)
4. Antoine de Saint Exupery (8/9/14)
5. Guillermo del Toro (5/24/14)
6. Ian Fleming (8/7/14)
7. Patry Francis (8/19/14)
8. John Green (1/11/14)
9. Frank Herbert (10/5/14)
10. Nick Hornby (1/24/14)
11. Chuck Palahniuk (6/28/14)
12. Deanna Raybourn (7/1/14)
13. Veronica Roth (11/28/14)
14. Jeff Vandermeer (11/6/14)
15. Sarah Waters (9/17/14)

Goal: 12/12 books DONE!!!!

1. In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller (1/3/14)
2. Tithe by Holly Black (2/4/14)
3. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (4/12/14)
4. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling (4/30/14)
5. Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano (4/30/14)
6. Ember by Kristen Callihan (5/6/14)
7. Fairest Vol 3: The Return of the Maharaja (9/15/14)
8. Entwined by Kristen Callihan (10/7/14)
9. Expecting Adam by Martha Beck (10/14/14)
10. Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer (11/6/14)
11. Authority by Jeff Vandereer (11/6/14)
12. Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer (11/9/14)

What's in a Name

Goal: 5/5 books  DONE!!!!!!!

1. A reference to time -- Roaring Midnight by Colleen Gleason (2/1/14)
2. A position of royalty -- Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery (8/9/14)
3. A number written in letters -- The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (4/19/14)
4. A forename or names -- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (9/23/14)
5. A type or element of weather -- Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews (5/28/14)

Goal: 100/100 books  DONE!!!!!!!!

1. It’s a Book by Lane Smith (2/2014)
2. Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton (2/2014)
3. The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket (2/2014)
4. 13 Words by Lemony Snicket (2/2014)
5. Madam President by Lane Smith (2/2014)
6. The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz (2/2014)
7. The Dark by Lemony Snicket (2/2014)
8. Fuzzy Bee and Friends (2/2014)
9. Squishy Turtle and Friends (2/2014)
10. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae (2/2014)
11. Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles by Alison Oliver (2/2014)
12. Star Trek Book of Opposites (2/2014)
13. My Little Geek by Andrew and Sarah Spear (2/2014)
14. Up Tall and High by Ethan Long (3/2014)
15. Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan (3/2014)
16. Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier (3/2014)
17. Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia (3/2014)
18. Tony and the Pizza Champions by Tony Gemignani (3/2014)
19. The Library Gingerbread Man by Dotti Enderle (3/2014)
20. Momo and Snap are NOT Friends! by Airlie Anderson (3/2014)
21. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems (6/2014)
22. Pig Takes a Bath by Michael Dahl (6/2014)
23. Pirate Nap by Danna Smith (6/2014)
24. Senorita Gordita by Helen Ketteman (6/2014)
25. The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz (6/2014)
26. Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton (6/2014)
27. Two at the Zoo by Danna Smith (6/2014)
28. Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza (6/2014)
29. Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems (6/2014)
30. All Aboard the Dino Train by Deb Lund (6/2014)
31. Amanda and Her Alligator by Mo Willems (7/2014)
32. This Morning Sam Went to Mars by Nancy Carlson (7/2014)
33. In My Barn by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich (7/2014)
34. The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller (7/2014)
35. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems (7/2014)
36. Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere (7/2014)
37. The Museum by Susan Verde (7/2014)
38. When Blue Met Egg by Lindsay Ward (7/2014)
39. The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems (7/2014)
40. Dinotrux by Chris Gall (7/2014)
41. Hidden Hippo by Joan Gannij and Clare Beaton (7/2014)
42. Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller (7/2014)
43. The Beatles Yellow Submarine by Charlie Gardner (7/2014)
44. Bedtime Bunnies by Wendy Watson (7/2014)
45. A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee (7/2014)
46. Introducing Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson (7/2014)
47. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems (7/2014)
48. Puddle Jumping by Emma Quay and Anna Walker (7/2014)
49. Yummy Ice Cream by Emma Quay and Anna Walker (7/2014)
50. Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith (7/2014)
51. Baby Loves to Rock by Wednesday Kirwan (7/2014)
52. Hush Little Turtle by Maranke Rinck & Martijn van der Linden (7/2014)
53. If Kisses were Colors by Janet Lawler (7/2014)
54. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi (7/2014)
55. A Baby is Born (7/2014)
56. Penguins, Penguins Everywhere! by Bob Barner (7/2014)
57. The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock (7/2014)
58. Tea Rex by Molly Idle (7/2014)
59. Cheetah Can’t Lost by Bob Shea (7/2014)
60. Mousterpiece by Jane Breskin Zalben (8/2014)
61. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce (8/2014)
62. Good Night, Monkey Boy by Jarrett J. Krosoczko (8/2014)
63. Wolf Wanted by Ana Maria Machado (8/2014)
64. There’s a Dragon Downstairs by Hilary McKay (8/2014)
65. A is for Autumn by Robert Maass (8/2014)
66. Gone Wild by David McLimans (8/2014)
67. Ah Ha! by Jeff Mack (8/2014)
68. Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell (8/2014)
69. The Case of the Missing Donut by Alison McGhee (8/2014)
70. Here Comes Destructosaurus! by Aaron Reynolds (8/2014)
71. Elmer’s Special Day by David McKee (8/2014)
72. That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems (8/2014)
73. Olivia by Ian Falconer (8/2014)
74. Elmer and the Kangaroo by David McKee (9/2014)
75. This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen (9/2014)
76. Summer by Bright Baby (9/2014)
77. The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy by Dvid Soman (9/2014)
78. Jack and the Beanstalk by E. Nesbit (9/2014)
79. I'm Fast by Kate and Jim McMullan (9/2014)
80. Horseplay by Karma Wilson (9/2014)
81. I Love to Dance by Anna Walker (9/2014)
82. Froodle by Antoinette Portis (9/2014)
83. I Love Birthdays by Anna Walker (9/2014)
84. I Love My Mom by Anna Walker (9/2014)
85. Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman (9/2014)
86. The Crocodile and the Scorpion by Rebecca Emberley (9/2014)
87. Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro (9/2014)
88. I Love Vacations by Anna Walker (9/2014)
89. Are Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? by Julie Middleton (9/2014)
90. Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas (9/2014)
91. I Love My Dad by Anna Walker (9/2014)
92. A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead (9/2014)
93. Rainbow Fish: Colors by Marcus Pfister (9/2014)
94. A Long Way Away by Frank Viva (9/2014)
95. Stars! Stars! Stars! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (9/2014)
96. Penguin Cha-Cha by Kristi Valiant (9/2014)
97. I Love to Sing by Anna Walker (9/2014)
98. Please, Bring Balloons by Lindsay Ward (9/2014)
99. Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle (9/2014)
100. Wiggle by Doreen Cronin (92014)

Goal: 20/20 authors  DONE!!!!

1. Sarah Addison Allen (3/19/14)
2. Mary Kay Andrews (5/28/14)
3. Elizabeth Berg (6/1/14)
4. Holly Black (2/4/14)
5. Kristin Callihan (7/12/14)
6. Colleen Gleason (2/1/14)
7. Gillian Flynn (2/9/14)
8. Laila Ibrahim (3/30/14)
9. Julie Kagawa (2/10/14)
10. Laura Kinsale (1/30/14)
11. Nicola Kraus (2/9/14)
12. Sarah McCoy (3/15/14)
13. Judith Miller (1/3/14)
14. Ann Patchett (7/10/14)
15. Jesse Petersen (1/12/14)
16. Julia Quinn (7/20/14)
17. Meg Rosoff (4/22/14)
18. Diane Setterfield (4/19/14)
19. Jen Turano (4/30/14)
20. Catherynne M. Valente (6/15/14)

Goal: 12/12 books  DONE!!!!!

1. Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa (2/10/14)
2. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa (2/21/14)
3. Sh*tty Mom by Laurie Kilmartin (2/23/14)
4. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (3/7/14)
5. The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy (3/15/14)
6. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (3/19/14)
7. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (4/22/14)
8. Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg (6/1/14)
9. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (6/7/14)
10. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (6/10/14)
11. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (6/15/14)
12. Grand Forks by Marilyn Hagerty (6/15/14)

New Movie January #1: Anchorman 2

My 30 Day Challenge this month is all about new movies.  I challenged myself to watch 30 new-to-me movies.  I'll be pulling primarily from my neverending Netflix queue but may always get to a movie or two in the theaters...

Title: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell

Directed By: Adam McKay

Written By: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia: 

• Marion Cotillard is drinking Laughing Clown Malt Liquor at the final brawl scene, a reference to Talladega Nights.
• When the Winnebago is rolling, a bat can be seen flying near the window at one point, in reference to the bats served in Champ's restaurant.

Summary: With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Review: 

Overall I just wasn't excited about this one as the first movie.  The scene in the winnebago is priceless and the final brawl is amazing.  But other than that, I just didn't laugh a lot this time around.  I mainly kept watching to see what stupid thing Brick would do next.  He's the funny in the movie.  I probably won't rewatch this one...

Best Bits: 

• Ron Burgundy: If you've got an ass like the North Star, wise men are gonna want to follow it.
• Brick Tamland: I can always guess how many jelly beans are in a jelly bean jar, even if I'm wrong.
• Ron Burgundy: Who the hell is Julius Caesar? You know I don't follow the NBA!
• Ron Burgundy: Let's not down play the fact that that is Stonewall Jackson ghost right there.

#FitReaders: January

This is a new challenge for myself.  I want to set some monthly exercise goals. Unfortunately I am still in Indiana until January 6th. I just can't get into the exercise mindset until getting back home. It may be cheating a bit, but I'm not going to start until January 7th. Even if I decide on goals today, I know I'm not going to follow them until I get home. That means that I have a few days to accomplish my first goal...

• Get a fitness tracker (looking for a deal)
• Walk at least 4 times a week
• Create an intentional meal plan for the rest of January
• Find a yoga routine I can do at home & start doing it!

2015 goals:

• Lose two pants sizes
• Get more energy
• Create and keep an exercise routine
• Gradually increase my steps goals throughout the year

#FitReaders Sign-up

Welcome to #FitReaders hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

I’m excited about the New Year and the focus on all things fitness.  This post is really a call to arms so you can get excited and prep for the New Year. I am not much for New Years Resolutions so this gives you a few weeks to prep for your new regiment or make tweaks to your current one. I am so proud of all #BookBlogWalkers that have been at this for a year. You guys have done great, kept moving, and were great at motivating each other.

We want to keep that momentum going in 2015 and include all types of fitness. So whatever your fitness regime is please feel free to join us :)

How it will work:

• Jan, Feb, March hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
• April, May, June hosted by That’s What I’m Talking About
• July, August, September hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
• October, November, December hosted by That’s What I’m Talking About

There will still be weekly check-in posts and monthly “are you in” posts!

Are you in? Hope to see you in 2015!

One of my big life goals is to be more active and create an exercise routine. I plan on utilizing the giant hills in my neighborhood to get active. Hopefully being a part of this group will help keep me accountable.

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