Day 30 of Book Challenge

Final day 30 of 30 day Book Challenge - My Favorite Book of All Times

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling

It is no secret that I love the Harry Potter series.  The moment I finished the final book I nosedived into my first and only bookish depression.   There is a special place in my heart for Harry, Ron and Hermoine.  Seeing these three wizard friends finally go off on their own on a mission to eliminate Voldermort was incredibly satisfying.  Harry Potter from start to finish was mastery story-telling of epic portions.  I try and avoid using the word epic, but it always ends up coming out - IT WAS EPIC.  The ending taking place where it all began - a battle of good versus evil.  Wands down, my most treasured book to date. 

Day 29 - A Book I Loved That Everybody Else Hated.

Day 29 - A Book I Loved That Everybody Else Hated.

Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi

This post has me in a quandary because it is ultimately admitting that my opinion isn't golden.  Then I went through my bookshelves, both physical and virtual, and had to really think.  There are many books I hated that others loved.  Who is this "everybody" book police anyways.    After my muses, I recalled thoroughly enjoying Shatter Me.  It was written in a unique style that I believe others felt put off by.  It took some getting accustomed to, but I found it refreshing.  It was not something I would say that I ultimately "loved' but I enjoyed it, while discovering others had not.

Day 27 & 28 of the 30 Day Book Challenge

Day 27 - The Most Surprising Plot Twist or Ending:
Days of Blood And Starlight, Laini Taylor

So spoilerific that I mustn't tell a thing.  I can say that it involves the White Wolf, Karou and
someone from Karou's past.  It's mind blowing, and I cannot begin to express how eager I am to the next installment.

Day 28 - Favorite Title of a Book
Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right,  Al Franken

Nothing political about this title, no sir.  Paired with the cover of the book, there is a high probability that most conservatives are going to avoid this political .  I tend to run a bit liberal in my political beliefs, along with Al Franken's antics I was enthralled when I first caught a glimpse of this book.  

Day 26 of 30 Day Book Challenge - A Book that Changed My Opinion About Something

The Parables of Jesus: Red Letter Edition,

The Jesus Seminar

During my final semester of my senior year at a small liberal arts college I took an anthropology course called The New Testament. I figured it would be an insanely easy A being a child who spent her first eight years of education at a Catholic school. What I didn't realize was to take religion down to a anthropological level, beliefs that were always assumed can easily be questioned. Many of those questions began with an incredibly simple under 100 page collaborative manuscript written by gospel scholars on the fundamentals of the few documented spoken words of Jesus Christ.

I have no desire to preach, but I will say that when you interpret the five parables of Jesus, written from four different perspectives, then as students discuss our own interpretations between 25 other individuals the fundamental focus tend to evolve and change.  This class and book humbled me and gave me the ability to question what I had always known.  I pulled that A I was hoping for, but also gained a lifetime of questioning my beliefs as an adult.   

Book Challenge Day 25 – A Character I Relate to the Most

Day 25 – A Character I Relate to the Most

Anne Shirley, Created by Lucy Maud Montgomery

When I was about twelve or thirteen, I discovered a young orphan girl named Anne Shirley. I knew I was a so called “kindred spirit" or a wee bit obsessed if you ask my mother. I gobbled up her books with a singled-minded fervor. I even told my parents one day that I loved the smell of them. They blindfolded me and put it to the test to see which books I could correctly identify. I picked out every single one correctly.

I could go on and on about why I love the books, but that doesn’t really explain why I closely identify with Ms. Anne, spelt with an e. I am not an orphan, red-headed or from Canada. I do however have a swift temper, with which to be reckoned.

I am stubborn to a fault and tend to make rash decisions.

And I so love to lose myself with nature and enjoy its beauty. During the time I was reading these stories, we had recently moved out to a rural area of my home town, and I used to sit outside and try and name the trees and even found a name for my home, Maple Grove. I was secretly jealous of Anne’s best friend, Diana Barry, but I admired her loyalty. I know that if I were to have a chance to meet one of my literary book friends, it would most assuredly be Anne Shirley.

Day 24 of 30 Day Book Challenge – A Book That I Wish More People Would’ve Read

Photograph by Michael Melford, National Geographic

Day 24 – A Book That I Wish More People Would’ve Read

Ashfall, by Mike Mullin

For close to two years I have been badgering all my bookish friends to read Ashfall, by Mike Mullin  A book about the event most geologists and Discovery channel enthusiasts dread.  While many dystopic stories are captivating, Ashfall is that horrific event that ultimately will happen. Mike Mullin bases his nail biting trilogy upon the inevitable eruption of the Yellowstone super volcano.

Essentially we have two stories, a journey of a young man, Alex who finds his maturity; and that of the obvious loss of life due to a massive volcanic eruption in the central United States.  Alex's journey spans between Cedar Falls, Iowa to Warren, Illinois.  Starting with his house being split in two by what can only be assumed as a ricocheting crater and the continuous assault of falling ash, Alex sets off with a pair of cross country skis to find his way back to his family.

On his travels Alex  finds himself faced with immense ugliness in humanity, striving to survive with whatever means necessary.  Along with that ugliness and desperation, he also finds generosity, ingenuity and unexpected companionship.  Ashfall, has a flavor reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's The Road, but with a more developed plot and character dimension. It is a novel that will make you want to fill your cupboards with canned goods, water and survivalist gear. I have tremendously enjoyed this series so far and eagerly await the third installment. I am also immensely relieved that I have three sets of cross-country skis in my closet, but hopefully Oregon is out of the potential red zone.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/08/yellowstone/achenbach-text

30 Day Book Challenge - Day 23

Day 23 – A Book I’ve Wanted to Read for a Long Time, But Still Haven’t.

Wild - From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed

About a year ago, within a span of a week, three people said I should read it. I backpack, I love to travel, I’m an enlightened female and I read. I have even gone so far as hauling up a hard-back book on a backpacking trip. Naturally this book is a perfect recommendation. My mother raved about it a few months later and bought myself and sister-in-law a copy. So there it is, sitting on my self waiting to be read. So why haven’t I read it? To be frank, I have succumbed to ease the e-reader. My three year old son doesn’t think I am ignoring him when I read off of my phone or kindle because I can pretend that I am doing something important on the kitchen counter, when all I am really doing is reading. Ridiculous as that excuse is, I vow - Wild will be the next physical book I pick up and read.




Mt Jefferson, Oregon, July 2013

 

Days 20 - 22 on 30 day Book Challenge

Day 20 - Favorite Romance Book

Voyager (Outlander Book 3), Diana Gabaldon

I am and have been for many years on the bandwagon of Claire and Jamie Fraser.  This is my personal favorite of the series because we have two individuals who have been separated by time and years, but still find there way back to each other.  In their maturity, they have found themselves individually, but they are undeniably each other's soul mate.  Add in adventure, pirates and history and Gabaldon hooks her readers even deeper.  

Day 21 - First Novel I Remember Reading

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary

In the second grade, Mr. Moore lead us through the fabulous story of Ralph and his motorcycle.  I believe there were other vehicles to follow.  After we finished the story our class had a big party, watched some low budget movie with various sodas mixed together, which we called a graveyard, to celebrate the momentous occasion.  

Day 22 - A Book that Makes Me Cry

The Subtle Knife, Philip Pullman

Years ago, my husband and I were hanging out on the couch.  He was watching TV, while I was intensely engrossed in the second novel of His Dark Materials.  Lyra B has met up with her new friend Will, and along with Pan's help they are trying to save the universe.  Never have I felt such wretched sadness, until this novel.  My husband actually was concerned over my tears and sobbing,  while helplessly trying to help.  No way will I spoil why I was crying, but if anyone has read this novel, it will be blatantly obvious.  If not, it may be a good push to pick up one of the best fantasy trilogies of our times.  Tears are optional. 

Day 19 - Favorite Book Turned into a Movie:

Atonement, Ian McEwan

There are many adaptations that I have enjoyed, and many of those were predictable massive trilogy blockbusters.  Since those are blatantly obvious on what I would pick, I chose to go with the less assuming story.  Atonement's first half of the movie was incredible.  The movie was able to capture a sultry day on an estate where passions ran high, an attraction was undeniable and a young sibling made an unforgivable mistake.  The moments in this movie with the typewriter clicking in the background gave me chills.

30 Day Book Challenge (Days 14 to 18)

Day 14 – Book turned Movie and completely desecrated

Season Two of True Blood, HBO aka Sookie Stackhouse

I have obviously cheated, because this is a television show. True Blood stepped completely off the reservation in season two. There are so many things bizarre and completely off the plot in this season, I don’t know where to begin. I’ll just sum it up in one word – 

Maryann

Was that even necessary?

Granted, the Sookie Stackhouse books are not exactly Pulitzer worthy, so I’m not entirely offended by the HBO series. We can at least be entertained by their mouth-watering casting (*ahem*Eric Northman*cough*).

Day 15 – Favorite Male Character

James Alexander Malcolm Fraser Outlander Series, By Diana Gabaldon

A highlander rebel and fugitive with the passion for one woman that last decades.  A loyal soldier, nobleman with the ability to fit in with any crowd.  Dry sense of humor, linguistically inclined, can brew his own whisky, build his own house and love his wife like no man ever has.  He is every middle-aged woman's fantasy, and Starz is going to get an insane boost to their ratings this next year when Sam Heughan attempts to portray Jamie Fraser.  He has his work cut out for him. 

Day 16 – Favorite Female Character

Lyra Belacqua, His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman

Ironically, I was torn on putting The Golden Compass under number 14, books to movies that stunk to high heaven.  But, I"ll admit, it has been a really long time since I watched the movie and coulnd't really provide the needed oomph of negativity.  What I can say is that while watching the movie, I thought, what a fabulous idea for a book.  Low and behold, It was, and then days later I was gorging myself on a facinating story of a young girl trying to make her way to the North with her side-kick, ever changing daemon

Pantalaimon.  I would like to note, I'm fairly confident my daemon would be of the lynx species.  Since Pan is not just Lyra's sidekick, but spiritual essence, he should also be figured into the favorite character equation.  Their fearless tenacity, stubborn drive to make things right and juvenile joy that comes of youth was so lovable, that I had to list them as my favorite "female" character.

Day 17 – Favorite Quote From My Favorite Book

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” 

– J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Day 18 - A Book That Disappointed Me:

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4), Cassandra Clare

Originally I thought it was surprising that there was another book after City of Glass.  A great segue for a spin-off for Simon, but not to create more drama for Jace and Clary. After reading this I still feel that way. The ending was pretty ridiculous. Obviously I have to commit to reading the next book, but I wasn't thrilled about where Clare was taking the series. 

30 Day Book Challenge - Days 11 - 13 (I promise I'm not always this negative)

Day 11 - A Book You Hated:  

Undeniable, Madeline Sheehan

I've held off reviewing this book for over six months, but this 30 day book challenge has made me face the demons. Undeniably a disgusting portrayal of woman in the motorcycling world.  I cannot recall any specific problems with the editing of this novel, however as a woman this book is wrong.  What I typically enjoy in a romance story line is that moment when the hero/heroine come to that moment of possession, mutual love and respect.  Here is a story with incredibly disturbing progression of an unhealthy relationship of woman who continues to leave her fate up to men who have no respect for women whatsoever.  Bleh. Bleh all around.  

Day 12 - Book I Love, But Hate at the Same Time:

Echo In The Bone, Diana Gabaldon

I love the Outlander series.  

For the length of each novel, and the fact that I have read, and re-read these stories speaks for itself.  

Gabaldon has created the most epic love story of a historical romance series of my age.  

For the past decade, I have eagerly gobbled up and listened to the lovely Davina Porter weave the story of the Claire and Jamie Fraser.  But, my entertainment screeched to a halt after reading the last fourth of Echo In The Bone.  I was belligerently angry when I finished book 7 of the Outlander series due to spoilery comments I won't relay.  Hopefully #8 adds a balm to my romantic soul.  

Day 13 - My Favorite Writer: C.S Lewis

When I was a young catholic student in the fourth grade, my imagination exploded.   It started one day, when I was introduced to a religious interpretation of a man's story of Christ's crucifixion.  As a young child, I understood the parallel, and yet in my own back-yard I found myself dreaming of being one of the many few children who were gifted with that sudden jolt into another world.  Each Narnian story delved into a realm of paranormal that I had yet to even consider.  What I wouldn't give to sit and have tea or a pint with Tolkein and Lewis at their favorite pub.  

30 Day Book Challenge (Day 5 through 10)

Five more condensed days of our lovely book challenge.

Day 5 - A Book That Makes Me Happy:

Anne of the Island, Lucy Maud Montgomery

In which my chidhood book BFF realizes her love of my childhood book boyfriend.  It has been many years, but in mapping out this 30 day challenge, I'll have to revisit our young heroine's enjoyable time at college.  

Day Six - A Book That Makes Me Sad:  

Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

It has been many years since I have read this novel, but I still recall the frustration I felt for the father of this family.  Such loss in this story, and such blind determination.  

Day Seven - A Book That Makes Me Laugh

Tangled, by Emma Chase

I started to read this on a family vacation on my kindle, and it was surprisingly the funniest book I have read in a very long time.  Being inside this successful players head was not only insanely funny, but a refreshing take the high-power romance novels out there.  The problem with laughing out loud with this book, is you have to explain that you are reading a tawdry romance novel if you do.  

Day Eight - Most Overrated Book

Dune, By Frank Hebert

I'm just going to pronounce, that I am not a 15 year old dice roll playing gamer, so I think that may be the biggest obstacle in why I couldn't relate.   I did however, feel it my duty as a lover of the fantasy and all things paranormal to read this novel.  Now I understand what my friend was muttering about his mind being a mentat, but I still don't care.  

Day Nine - 

A Book I Thought I Wouldn't Like But Ended Up Loving:

A Hunger like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2), Kresley Cole

First off, look at this cover, and for that matter, the covers of the remaining books in the series.  They look ridiculous.  I feel like professor lupin is standing next to me, and I am trying to get rid of a bogart.  I'm not necessarily referring to the book itself, but rather the series.  I absolutely love this series.  Here's the clincher - Kresley Cole can write!  

Unlike most romance novels that trades perspectives between the male and female characters, she actually doesn't mess it up.    There are many levels to this paranormal romance series that have kept me entertained for years.  Ignore the covers, you may actually enjoy them.  

Day 10 - A Book That Reminds Me of Home

How Six Found Chrismas, by Trina Schart Hyman

My mother has had this book sitting out on a side table or coffee table around the holidays, ever since I can remember.  It is the sweetest story about how six unlikely companions find something special and deem it is Christmas.  This last year, my mother actually sat me down and read it to my 34 year old self.  We both cried, of course.  I have yet to see this book for sale as an adult, but if I did see it, I would surely be reminded of home.  

30-Day Book Challenge

Admittedly a wee bit late to the party being that it is the 11th of the month, but I think I can catch up within a post or two!!

Day One - Best book I read in 2012:

Easy. Hands down, easy.  Mira Grant or whatever you call yourself, you are one beautifully paranoid viral master.  Never has the zombie paranoia reached such a plateau.  

Day Two - Book read more than three times:

The River Why, David James Duncan

This book was a family favorite, and first read to me in my tweens by my mother, snippets at a time. This is a story of a young man, desperate for silence in a quickly developing world, his hilariously dysfunctional family and how he found peace with his fishing rod on a Oregon coastal range river.  It is a book I have purchased, loaned out and purchased again.  

Day Three - My Favorite Series:

Harry Potter

Not only do I truly love the mastery of JK Rowling's HP, but I the worlds best narrator Jim Dale created the most enjoyable audio listening experience, ever.  Any of one books three through seven could have counted for a book I have read more than three times as well.  

Day Four - Favorite Book in Favorite Series

Harry Pottery and the Deathly Hallows

I really and truly went into a book depression after finishing this series.  Deathly Hallows was an insanely wondrous completion of a series that affected me on many levels.  I'm still not quite over it and I uphold it as ultimate culmination of character development, story and world building.