The Declaration by Gemma Malley

Synopsis:
It's the year 2140, and longevity drugs have made the world a wonderful place--for some. Taking Longevity means you can live indefinitely, but there's a catch, of course: you must first sign the Declaration and, if you op0t in, you agree not to have children.

For children born outside the Declaration, the world is a grim place. Surplus Anna is one such teen: a worthless burden who must pay back society for her very existence. Bleak and foreboding Grange Hall, with its severe headmistress, will prepare Anna for her short life of servitude.

But Anna is different. In the pages of a coveted diary, she secretly pours out her heart, her hopes and her many, many fears-- including her mistrust of a new arrival to Grange Hall, a boy named Peter. Peter says that Longevity is bad, that nobody should be considered a Surplus... and that Anna's parents love her and have been searching for her. Who is she to trust? The strange boy whose version of life sounds like a dangerous fairy tale? Or the cold, familiar walls of Grange Hall and the headmistress who has controlled her every waking thought?

My Rating: 6/10

My Thoughts:
This book had a very interesting premise dealing with the morality of living forever and what the consequences are of going against nature. However I think it fell a little short. First of all I couldn't stand Anna in the beginning. She starts off as an indoctrinated surplus and spends a lot of the time talking about how much she hates her parents and how she's grateful she's been given the chance to become useful to society. I kept with it though knowing her mentality would change as soon as Peter arrived. But even after she realizes how wrong the world is that she's living in, she still never really does anything. All in all I felt her character was flat.

The other major problem I had with the book was how easily things were solved all the time. Anna and Peter need a way to escape? Oh a secret tunnel leads from the one place the two are left alone. Anna and Peter need a place to hide? a sympathetic former employer happens to live right there. Anna and Peter are about to be caught? ...you get the picture.

Overall it was a quick read that brought up some interesting points, but had flat characters and a story line that was to easy and tidy. There is a second book in the series dealing with the resistance which I'm planning on reading, so I hope that will be better.

It's been a while...

It's been over a month since I posted something, and over a month since I finished a book. This holiday season has been crazy, but all the shopping and preparation is done and I have a lot more time to read now. I think I'm going to fail most of my reading challenges, but this comes from starting them all in September rather than January. This next year I have a much more realistic idea of what I can accomplish and a lot more time to work on it. My challenge wrap-ups will be posted soon...

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis:
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover a plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she wasn't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

My rating: 9/10

My Thoughts:
After reading Graceling, I wasn't entirely interested in reading a book that didn't involve Po and Katsa, but I'm glad I did because I LOVED IT. It was way different than I expected after reading the inside flap, but different in a good way. The characters were awesome and some of the small problems I had with Graceling, probably due it it being a first novel, were not present with Fire. Plus there was an interesting take on Beauty which give you something to think about. Now I can't wait for Kristen Cashore's next novel!

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Synopsis:
Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the region in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people. The woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom. And Anluan himself has been crippled by a childhood illness.

Then the young scribe Catrin appears in Anluan's garden, admiring the rare plant known as heart's blood. Retained to sort through entangled family documents, Caitrin brings about unexpected changes in the household, casting a hopeful light against the despairing shadows.

But even as Caitrin brings solace to Anluan, and the promise of something more between them, he remains in thrall to the darkness surrounding Whistling Tor. To free Anluan's burdened soul, Caitrin must unravel the web of sorcery woven by his ancestors before it claims his life-- and their love.

My Rating: 8/10

My Thoughts:
This book seemed to me different from Juliet Marillier's other novels. Though rich in historical detail, the conflict seemed much more localized with this book than say Sevenwaters or the Bridei novels. Instead, much of the plot revolved around personal demons rather than physical ones. This book starts off with a bang dropping us right in the middle of nowhere. Caitrin is running from an unspecificied past which we learn about slowly through out the novel. This is also different for Juliet, for she usually started off introducing us to the main characters when they are young and we get to watch them grow up. In the middle, the book slows down a bit and gets kind of preachy about the importance of hope, but picks up again at the end. Overall I enjoyed it, however, Juliet has yet to top the Sevenwaters books.

Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely

Synopsis:
Planning New Year's resolutions to rid her life of all things unhealthy, Elizabeth Parker has dumped fatty foods, processed sugar, and her two-timing boyfriend. Indeed, the invitation to join her Aunt Winnie for a How to Host a Murder Party on New Year's Eve at Winnnie's new Cape Cod B and B comes just in time. but when the local wealthy miser ends up the unscripted victim, Elizabeth must unearth old secrets and new motives in order to clear her beloved aunt of suspicion. The suspects include the town gossip, a haughty rich woman, and an antiques business owner much enamored of his benefactress, a Mrs. Kristell Dubois. If that isn't bad enough, Elizabeth must also contend with her childhood nemesis, Peter McGowan--a man she suspects has only matured in chronological years--and her suspicions about his family's interest in Winnie's Inn.

Yesterday, her only worry was of finding her Mr. Darcy. Now she has a murder to solve. is it any wonder her resolution to achieve inner poise is in tatters?

My Rating: 6/10

My Thoughts:
Though this book was not a piece of exquisit literary fiction, it was very entertaining. The mystery was full of twists and it managed to suprise me when the murderer was revealed. I loved the Pride and Prejudice references, which made it blatently obvious who the love interest was, and I loved the refrences to other works of classic literature. Pretty much anytime there is a main character who loves books as much as I do, I'm going to enjoy the read.

Feed by M. T. Anderson

Synopsis:
We went to the moon to have fun but the moon turned out to completely suck.

So says Titus, a teenager whose ability to read, write, and even think for himself has been almost completely obliterated by his "feed," a transmitter implanted directly into his brain. Feeds are a crucial part of life for Titus and his friends. After all, how else would they know where to party on the moon, hot to get bargains at Weatherbee & Crotch, or how to accessorize the mysterious lesions everyone's been getting? But then Titus meets Violet, a girl who cares about what's happening to the world and challenges everything Titus and his friends hold dear. A girl who decides to fight the feed.

My Rating: 8/10

My Thoughts:
This book really made me think. Though it takes place in the future, and many of the every day items the characters use, like upcars and disposable dinner tables, seem like science fiction, they resonate with today, for this is where our world is headed. And when it comes to the consumerism driven culture, in many ways we're already there. I love this kind of novel that takes current events and shows what happens in the future, I find it endlessly facinating. Excellent read, I recommend it.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox- Mary E.. Pearson

Synopses:
Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a year-long coma, and she's still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. Her parents show her home movies of her life, her memories, but she has no recollection. Is she really the same girl she sees on the screen? Little by little, Jenna begins to remember. Along with the memories come questions--questions no one wants to answer for her. What really happened after the accident?

My Rating 9/10

My Thoughts: (Warning, spoilers)
This book was fascinating. It begins with the mystery of what is really going on with Jenna, then after we discover the truth, that 90 percent of Jenna's body is made of lab grown parts after a terrible car accident, it continues with the moral and ethical dilemma of that illegal decision. It was this dilemma that was the most interesting to me. After finding out the truth, Jenna struggles with identity, and the question of whether she is in fact still human, which leads to the much larger question of what it means to be human, and how far science should be allowed to go.

Jenna's situation is juxtaposed with the other characters situations. Her parents, who would do anything to save their only daughter. Allys, who lost her limbs, yet still fights against passing laws that would make her whole again. And finally to Ethan who proves that sometimes breaking the law is not black and white and Dane, who may be one hundred percent human but still lacks something. These characters all bring fascinating perspectives, proving exactly how complicated the situation really is.

My only hesitation with the book was the ending. Throughout the entire book, there seems to be no right answer to the question posed, yet the conclusion seems to take a side. Perhaps I just wished the end was left more ambiguous so the reader can decide for themselves, but overall I enjoyed this book immensely.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Synopses:
Micah will freely dmit she's a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she'll ever tell you. Over the years she's fooled everyone; her classmates, her teachers, even her parents. And she's always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as easily as breathing?

My Rating: 6/10

My Thoughts:
I was very excited for this book and even after I was done, I was still not sure how I felt about it. I was frustrated while reading the book, because I had no idea what what actually happening, and what was a lie Micah was telling. Everything she said I took with a grain of salt expecting her to confess the lie a few pages later. However, though it was frustrating during the book, I was satisfied with the ambiguous ending, and I was able to form my own opinion about what was going on. Overall this book was had a very original concept and I would love to discuss it with someone else.

DystopYA Reading Challenge

This challenge is right up my alley because I love Dystopia novels and I love young adult. For all the details click here. This challenge starts on October 5, 2009 and runs to December 31, 2009. We are challenged to read 3 books in that time.

Looking at the list, I've already read several:

1. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
3. The Giver- Lois Lowry
4. The Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan
5. Uglies- Scott Westerfield

However, there are several I have not read. My list is subject to change:

1. Feed by M.T. Anderson (Completed)
2. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (Completed)
3. The Declaration by Gemma Malley (Completed)

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

Synopses:
The heroine of this powerful novel, often considered James's greatest work, is the spirited young American Isabel Archer. Blessed by nature and fortune, she journeys to Europe to seek the full realization of her potential--or, in modern terms, to "find herself"-- but what awaits her there may prove to be her undoing. During her journey, wooers vie for her attentions, including an English aristocrat, a perfect American gentleman, and a sensitive expatriate. But it is only after the ingenue falls pray to the schemes of an infinitely sophisticated older woman that her life takes on its true form. With its brilliant interplay of tensions and characters, The Portrait of a Lady is a timeless and essential American novel.

My Rating: 4/10

My Thoughts:
I started this book about a year ago, and it took me this long to finish it simply because reading it was painful. I bought this book expecting an Elizabeth Bennet type strong willed character who falls pray to an evil type gentleman. However, that was not the case. Though described as being strong willed and intelligent, Isabel seemed simply naive and immature. Plus the "evil gentleman" turned out to be no such thing. Yes, he had ulterior motives in marrying her, but marrying for money is not an "evil" reason, and Isabel willingly entered into the marriage. The two simply discovered they did not like each other after they were married for a while.

James is a fan of very long and descriptive paragraphs, and this book is not for the faint hearted. It's long and even though I love classic literature, took me a looooong time to finish. I would not recommend this book to people in the future.

Banned Book Week

Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey

Synopsis:
There is no pity in Santa Olivia. And no escape. In this isolated military buffer zone between Mexico and the U.S., the citizens of Santa Olivia are virtually powerless. Then and unlikely heroine is born. She is the daughter of a man genetically manipulated by the government to be a weapon. A "Wolf-Man", he was engineered to have superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and senses, as well as a total lack of fear. Named for her vanished father, Lupe Garron has inherited his gifts. Frustrated by the injustices visited upon her friends and neighbors by the military occupiers, Loup is determined to avenge her community. Aided by a handful of her fellow orphans, Loup takes on the guise of their patron saint, Santa Olivia, and sets out to deliver vigilante justice--aware that if she is caught, she could lose her freedom... and possibly her life.

My Rating: 8/10

My Thoughts:
First off I just wanted to say that the synopsis only describes what happens in the first half of the book. The second half takes a completely new direction. If the vigilante justice had been the main story of the book, I think it would have been better, however, with that said, I still loved it. Loup was fascinating with her not quite human thinking, and all the secondary characters where beautifully imagined. I loved Miguel Garza the most. As for the ending, it's set up so a sequel is possible but it also could end with this book. The ending was not what I would consider amazing, but still satisfying. Overall very entertaining book.

The House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

Synopsis:
When Charmain Baker agreed to look after her Great uncle's house, she thought she was getting a blissful parent-free time to read. She didn't realize that the house bent space and time and did not expect to become responsible for an extremely magical stray dog and a muddled young apprentice wizard. Now somehow she's been targeted by a terrifying creature called a lubbock, too, and become central to the King's urgent search for the fabled Elfgift that will save the country. The King is so desperate to find the Elfgift, he's called the intimidating sorceress named Sofie to help. And where Sofie is, the great wizard Howl and the fire demon Calcifer can't be far behind. How did respectable Charmain end up in this and how will she get herself out?

My Rating: 5/10

My Thoughts:
I was so excited for this book, because I loved the first two. I was even more excited when I found out the main character was a bookworm, which is my favorite type of character. However I was soon disappointed to discover that Charmain is just annoying. It is never explained why she has not been allowed to do anything all her life, except that everything she doesn't know how to do, like cooking and laundry, is considered unrespectable by her mother. And rather than learn how to do all these things now that she is on her own, she just ignores them. It made it very hard to care about her.

Besides the main character I didn't really like any of the other characters either. I can't describe exactly what it was about them, but they all annoyed me to no end. Perhaps it was their simple mindedness, or the fact that they never seemed concerned by major crisis, but I couldn't stand them.

The final issue I had with this book was that Charmain seemed to have no real purpose to the plot. In the end everything was resolved and Charmain did nothing. She was simply there to witness.

Overall, it was a quick read, but it really did not impress me.

101 Fantasy Novels

There is a new challenge over at A Bibliophile's Bookshelf that I found really interesting. To see the rules click here. They compiled the top 101 fantasy novels and created a list. I'm not sure if I want to participate in the challenge yet, but I did want to list the books and see how many I've read. The ones I've read are in bold.

1. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
   
2. MEYER, STEPHENIE – Twilight
3. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone
4. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
5. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
6. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
   
7. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
8. ROWLING, JK – Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
9. MEYER, STEPHENIE – Eclipse
   
10. MEYER, STEPHENIE – New Moon
    
11. MEYER, STEPHENIE – Breaking Dawn
    
12. TOLKIEN, JRR – The Fellowship of the Ring
13. NOEL, Alyson – Evermore
14. TOLKIEN, JRR – The Return of the King
15. TOLKIEN, JRR – The Two Towers
16. NOEL, Alyson – Blue Moon
17. TOLKIEN, JRR – The Hobbit
18. LEWIS, CS – Chronicles of Narnia
19. CLARE, Cassandra – City of Bones
20. MEAD, Richelle – Vampire Academy
21. CASHORE, Kristin – Graceling
22. CLARE, Cassandra – City of Glass
23. COLLINS, Suzanne – The Hunger Games
24. CLARE, Cassandra – City of Ashes
    
25. MEAD, Richelle – Shadow Kiss
    
26. MEAD, Richelle – Frostbite
27. L’ENGLE, Madeline – Wrinkle in Time
28. BRIGGS, Patricia – Moon Called
29. SNYDER, Maria – Poison Study
    
30. MEAD, Richelle – Blood Promise
    
31. BRIGGS, Patricia – Bone Crossed
32. MARR, Melissa – Wicked Lovely
33. HARRIS, Charlaine – Dead Until Dark
    
34. BRIGGS, Patricia – Iron Kissed
    
35. BRIGGS, Patricia – Blood Bound
36. DE LA CRUZ, Melissa – Blue Bloods
37. SHAKESPEARE, William – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
38. ARMSTRONG, Kelly – Bitten
    
39. PAOLINI, Christopher – Eragon
40. HARRIS, Charlaine – Dead to the World
41. SNYDER, Maria – Fire Study
42. ARMSTRONG, Kelley – The Summoning
43. FROST, Jeaniene – One Foot in the Grave
44. DE LA CRUZ, Melissa – Masquerade
45. DE LA CRUZ, Melissa – Revelations
46. FROST, Jeaniene – Halfway to the Grave
47. SNYDER, Maria – Magic Study
48. GAIMAN, Neil – Stardust
49. MARR, Melissa – Ink Exchange
50. HARRIS, Charlaine – Club Dead
51. WARD, JR – Dark Lover
52. MCKINLEY, Robin – The Blue Sword
53. VINCENT, Rachel – Stray
54. RICE, Anne – Interview with the Vampire
    
55. KENYON, Sherrilyn – Acheron
56. HARRIS, Charlaine – From Dead to Worse
57. HARRIS, Charlaine – Dead as a Doornail
58. HARRIS, Charlaine – Living Dead in Dallas
59. HARRIS, Charlaine – Definitely Dead
60. WARD, JR – Lover Awakened
61. FROST, Jeaniene – At Grave’s End
62. HARRIS, Charlaine – All Together Dead
63. MARR, Melissa – Fragile Eternity
64. CARROLL, Lewis – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
65. VINCENT, Rachel – Prey
66. HARRISON, Kim – Dead Witch Walking
67. BRAY, Libba – A Great & Terribly Beauty
68. DE LA CRUZ, Melissa – The Van Alen Legacy
69. VINCENT, Rachel – Pride
70. VINCENT, Rachel – Rogue
71. WYNNE JONES, Diana – Howl’s Moving Castle
72. PULLMAN, Philip – Northern Lights
73. MONING, Karen Marie – Darkfever
    
74. MONING, Karen Marie – Bloodfever
    
75. STOKER, Bram – Dracula
76. PULLMAN, Philip – The Subtle Knife
77. CARD, Orson Scott – Ender’s Game
78. PULLMAN, Philip – The Amber Spyglass
79. MCKINLEY, Robin – The Hero & the Crown
    
80. WARD, JR – Lover Eternal
81. MONING, Karen Marie – Dreamfever
82. LEVINE, Gail Carson – Ella Enchanted
83. WILLIAMSON, Jill – By Darkness Hid
84. PIERCE, Tamora – Trickster’s Choice
85. MURPHY, CE – Urban Shaman
86. WARD, JR – Lover Revealed
87. NIX, Garth – Sabriel
88. WARD, JR – Lover Unbound
89. HAMILTON, Laurell K – Guilty Pleasures
90. PAOLINI, Christopher – Eldest
91. BEAGLE, Peter S – The Last Unicorn
92. KENYON, Sherrilyn – Night Play
93. MEAD, Richelle – Succubus Blues
94. BAUM, Frank – Wizard of Oz
95. WARD, JR – Lover Enshrined
96. MEAD, Richelle – Storm Born – 54
97. GAIMAN, Neil & PRATCHETT, Terry – Good Omens
98. ANDREWS, Ilona – Magic Strikes
99. MONING, Karen Marie – Faefever
100. MCKINLEY, Robin – Beauty
101. HARRISON, Kim – The Outlaw Demon Wails
     

Countdown 2010 Challenge

Countdown 2010

The goal of this challenge is to read the number of books first published in a given year that corresponds to the last digit of each year in the 2000s — 10 books from 2010, 9 books from 2009, 8 books from 2008, etc.

The total number of books required, therefore, is 55.This challenge lasts from 9/9/09 through 10/10/10

Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and your lists may change at any time.To find this challenge click here.

2010 (10/10)
1. Hourglass- Claudia Gray
2. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott- Kelly O'Connor McNees
3. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
4. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
5. The Man From Saigon by Marti Leimbach
6. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
7. The Line- Teri Hall
8. Boys, Bears and and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots- Abby McDonald
9. The Body Finder- Kimberly Derting
10. Naamah's Curse- Jacqueline Carey

2009 (9/9)
1. Santa Olivia- Jacqueline Carey
2 Liar- Justine Larbalestier
3. Murder at Longbourn- Tracy Kiely
4. Heart's Blood- Juliet Marillier
5. Fire- Kristen Cashore
6. Fall of Light- Nina Kiriki Hoffman
7. Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
8. The Maze Runner- James Dashner
9. Front and Center- Catherine Gilbert Murdock

2008 (8/8)
1. House of Many Ways- Diana Wynne Jones
2. The Adoration of Jenna Fox- Mary E. Pearson
3. Life As We Knew It- Susan Beth Pfeffer
4. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
5. Impossible- Nancy Werlin
6. Graceling- Kristen Cashore
7. Perfect Chemistry- Simone Elkeles
8. Kushiel's Mercy- Jacqueline Carey

2007 (2/7)
1. The Declaration- Gemma Malley
2. The Off Season- Catherine Gilbert Murdock
3. In The Woods- Tana French
4.
5.
6.
7.

2006 (3/6)
1. Dairy Queen- Catherine Gilbert Murdock
2. Dear John- Nicholas Sparks
3. Nothing but the Truth (And a Few White Lies)- Justina Chen Headley
4.
5.
6.

2005 (0/5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

2004 (0/4)
1.
2.
3.
4.

2003 (0/3)
1.
2.
3.

2002 (2/2)
1. Feed- M. T. Anderson
2. Coraline- Neil Gaiman

2001 (1/1)
1. The Eyre Affair- Jasper Fforde

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Synopses:
Ever Bloom has just moved to California from Oregon after a tragic accident claimed the life of her parents and sister. But while dealing with the guilt of being the only survivor, Ever is also dealing with new found psychic abilities that alienate her from the rest of her peers. However, when a mysterious boy, Damen Auguste, shows up with the ability to block all the thoughts and emotions that Ever can not claim as her own, she is intrigued and may just be able to learn why these things are happening to her.

My Rating: 5/10

My Thoughts:
This book started off interesting, I was curious to learn exactly what Damen was and if he was good or bad, but at about the half-way mark I became irritated with Ever's reluctance to get answers. She constantly pushes away everyone who tries to explain anything to her. Then when all was revealed, I felt a little dissapointed. Plus everything was tied up a little to neately for my taste. All in all an ok read, but nothing special.

What's in a Name Challenge

The Challenge: Choose one book from each of the following categories.

1. A book with a "profession" in its title. Examples might include: The Book Thief, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Historian

2. A book with a "time of day" in its title. Examples might include: Twilight, Four Past Midnight, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

3. A book with a "relative" in its title. Examples might include: Eight Cousins, My Father's Dragon, The Daughter of Time

4. A book with a "body part" in its title. Examples might include: The Bluest Eye, Bag of Bones, The Heart of Darkness
Heart's Blood- Juliet Marillier

5. A book with a "building" in its title. Examples might include: Uncle Tom's Cabin, Little House on the Prairie, The Looming Tower
Done: House of Many Ways- Diana Wynne Jones

6. A book with a "medical condition" in its title. Examples might include: Insomnia, Coma, The Plague
Blindness- Jose Saramago

The host of the challenge can be found here. It ends December 31, 2009.

Jane Austen Related

I was thinking about all the Jane Austen related things there are in the world, and started to wonder how many of them I've read/seen. So, because I absolutely love lists, I wanted to write down exactly everything I've seen and read.

Read:
Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey-Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility- Jane Austen
Persuasion-Jane Austen
Mansfield Park-Jane Austen
Emma- Jane Austen
Jane Austen in Scarsdale- Paula Marantz Cohen
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict- Laurie Viera Rigler
The Jane Austen Book Club- Karen Joy Fowler
Becoming Jane- John Spence
Austenland- Shannon Hale
Murder at Longbourn- Tracy Kiely

Seen:
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Northanger Abbey (2008)
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Sense and Sensibility (2008)
Persuasion (1995)
Persuasion (2007)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Emma (1996 with Gwyneth Paltrow)
Emma (1996 with Kate Beckinsale)
Bride and Prejudice
Bridget Jones' Diary
Lost in Austen
Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy
Miss Austen Regrets
Becoming Jane
The Jane Austen Book Club

To Read:
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies- Seth Grahame-Smith
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters- Ben H. Winters

18th and 19th Century Women Writers' Reading Challenge

Read between 4 and 12 books in 2009 by women writers who wrote between 1700 and 1900.

My list:
Little Women- Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Little Men- Louisa May Alcott (1871)
Persuasion- Jane Austen (1818)
Middlemarch- George Eliot (1871)

The challenge can be found here.

100+ Book Challenge 2009

The 100 book challenge can be found here.

My goal this year was to read 120 books, but now I don't know if I will even make it to 100. I still have some time, so here's hoping.

Most of these books I read before I had a blog, so I don't have reviews for them. But the ones I have read since have links to their reviews.

1. I'd Tell you I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You- Ally Carter
2. Wicked Lovely- Melissa Marr
3. If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?- Melissa Kantor
4. Perfect You- Elizabeth Scott
5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- Sherman Alexie
6. The Monsters of Templeton- Lauren Groff
7. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
8. The Spellman Files- Lisa Lutz
9. Heart of Darkness- Joseph Conrad
10. Crown Duel- Sherwood Smith
11. Blood Bound- Patricia Briggs
12. Iron Kissed- Patricia Briggs
13. A Passage to India- E. M. Forster
14. Villette- Charlotte Bronte
15. Bone Crossed- Patrica Briggs
16. Curse of the Spellmans- Lisa Lutz
17. To the Lighthouse- Virginia Woolf
18. Develish- Maureen Johnson
19. If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend- Alison Pace
20. Lady Audley's Secret- Mary Elizabeth Braddon
21. 13 Little Blue Envelopes- Maureen Johnson
22. The Lonley Londoners- Sam Selvon
23. When It Happens- Susane Colasanti
24. No Telephone to Heaven- Michelle Cliff
25. East Lynne- Ellen Wood
26. Europe's Last Summer- David Fromkin
27. Revenge of the Spellmans- Lisa Lutz
28. An Abundance of Katherines- John Green
29. The Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan
30. A Room With a View- E.M. Forster
31. Stargazer- Claudia Gray
32. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks- E. Lockhart
33. The Serpent's Tale- Ariana Franklin
34. Eclipse- Stephenie Meyer
35. Love Story- Erich Segal
36. Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer
37. Naamah's Kiss- Jacqueline Carey
38. Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson
39. Jellicoe Road- Melina Marchetta
40. What I Saw and How I Lied- Judy Blundell
41. Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
42. Good Omens- Niel Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
43. Evermore- Alyson Noel
44. House of Many Ways- Diana Wynne Jones
45. Santa Olivia- Jacqueline Carey
46. The Portrait of a Lady- Henry James
47. Liar- Justine Larbalestier
48. The Adoration of Jenna Fox- Mary E. Pearson
49. Feed- M. T. Anderson
50. Murder at Longbo0urn- Tracy Kiely
51. Heart's Blood- Juliet Marillier
52. Fire- Kristen Cashore
53. The Declaration- Gemma Malley