Reading Goal Met & Questions for my Readers

For the first time in the last few years I have met my goal of reading 100 books during the year (surpassed it already, actually).  I'm incredibly proud of this, and I'm debating whether or not to increase my goal (and possibly not make it).  I have the kindle app to thank for the last few books, because thanks to the app, I can now have access to books no matter where I'm at.

I guess that I have to get more used to the kindle app, because we recently recieved that bad news that our Barnes and Nobles is closing.  There are rumors of bankruptcy and rumors of the mall owners trying to increase the rent beyond what is fair.  Regardless, it saddens me that I won't have a local book store (I live in a small town) to go to for books.  I like the convenience of the kindle, but I would still much rather turn a page, hold a book, and be able to trade that book in at Bookmans for another book when I'm done with it.

I'm most proud that I made my goal, despite all the harships I've faced recently (which also explains why I haven't been posting as often as I mean to).  My school messed up on my financial aid, so I had to take 12 credit hours (when I normally take 6 to 9) during the same time that the clinic I work at was switching to EMR.  On top of that I had surgery in September, and then my Grandma Betty died at age 91 this month.  Anyway, I don't want to come across as whining - but despite all the challenges life has thrown at me, I still managed to surpass my goal, and I'm happy about that.

So, since I'd like to take off with my blog, make new friends, and post more often, I'd like to ask anyone reading this, what would you like to see more of?  What are your reading goals for the year, and how far along are you?  Some of you have goals up in the 200 and 300 range - how do you make those goals?  It's amazing to me that people can get that many books read in a year.  I'm thinking of doing a follower giveaway, but what number should I put it at?  I want real followers that will stay, not just people that follow for giveaway purposes and then delete me....so what will keep your interest?

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads says:

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?


This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....


Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end."


My Rating:

***** 5 Stars

My review:

I absolutely love this book. In my opinion it's the best teen series since Harry Potter. The book has strong characters, a well written storyline that sucks you in, and before you know it you've finished the book.

Clary witnesses a murder while out at a dance club. From that moment on her life is never the same. This story is filled with demons, vampires, werewolves, faeries and those that hunt them.

1001 Books to Read Before You Die Challenge 2011

I am taking part in the 1001 Books To Read Before You Die Challenge. The goal is to read 15 books from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List. I will post my books here as I read them.

Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011

Book Chick City is hosting a mystery and suspense reading challenge. The goal is to read at least 12 mystery and suspense novels in 2011. I will list my books here as I finish.




1. "Grave Secret" by Charlaine Harris 306 pages
2. "Fear Nothing" by Dean Koontz 391 pages
3. "A Bone to Pick" by Charlaine Harris 222 pages LP
4. "Real Murders" by Charlaine Harris 230 pages LP
5. "Spider Bones" by Kathy Reichs 302 pages
6. "Seize the Night" by Dean Koontz 443 pages
7. "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, 384 pages
8. "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris 293 pages
9. "Dare to Surrender" by Lilli Fiesty 342 pages
10."An Ice Cold Grave" by Charlaine Harris 280 pages
11."The 8th Confession" by James Patterson 342 pages

Back to the Classics Challenge 2011

I'm taking part in the Back to the Classics Reading Challenge hosted by Sarah Reads too Much. The challenge ends in June 2011. I will update as I meat the goals.

The goals to complete:

1. A Banned Book
2. A Book with a Wartime Setting (can be any war)
3. A Pulitzer Prize (Fiction) Winner or Runner Up: a list can be found here
4. A Children's/Young Adult Classic
5. 19th Century Classic
6. 20th Century Classic
7. A Book you think should be considered a 21st Century Classic
8. Re-Read a book from your High School/College Classes

Horror & Urban Fantasy Challenge

I'm taking part in the Horror and Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City. The goal is to read 24 Horror and Urban Fantasy books in 2011. I will post here as I read them.




1. "Radiant Shadows" by Melissa Marr 340 pages
2. "Tempted" by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast 319 pages
3. "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead 332
4. "Once Dead Twice Shy" by Kim Harrison 232 pages
5. "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris 311 pages
6. "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning 388 pages
7. "The Haunted" by Jessica Verday 467 pages
8. "The Dark Divine" by Bree Despain 372 pages
9. "Beautiful Darkness" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl 503 pages
10. "Sisters Red" by Jackson Pearce 324 pages
11. "Glass Houses" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
12. "Dead Girls Dance" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
13. "Shadowfever" by Karen Marie Moning 608 pages
14. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
15. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
16. "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages

17. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
18. "Dark Visions: The Strange Powers" by L.J. Smith 230 pages
19. "Dark Visions: The Possessed" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
20. "Dark Visions: The Passion" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
21. "Daughters of the Moon: Goddess of the Night" by Lynne Ewing 294 pages
22. "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare 485 pages
23. "City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare 496 pages
24. "Midnight Alley" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
25. "Feast of Fools" by Rachel Caine 242 pages
26. "Lord of Misrule" by Rachel Caine 244 pages
27. "Carpe Corpus" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
28. "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine 237 pages
29. "Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
30. "Prom Nights From Hell" by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle 184 pages
31. "The Frenzy" by Francesca Lia Block 122 pages
32. "Secret Circle: The Initiation" by L.J. Smith 320 pages
33. "Nightshade" by Andrea Cremer 289 pages
34. "Vacations from Hell" by Libba Bray 156 pages
35. "Nightfall" by L.J. Smith 359 pages
36. "Fallen" by Lauren Kate 452 pages
37. "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 353 pages
38. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick 391 pages
39. "Early to Death, Early to Rise" by Kim Harrison 247 pages

Off The Shelf Reading Challenge

I am taking part in the Off the Shelf Reading Challenge. My goal is to read 15 books from my bookshelf that were purchased prior to today. I will list my books here as I read them.



1. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls 288 pages
2. "Sisters Red" by Jackson Pearce 324 pages
3. "Seize the Night" by Dean Koontz 443 pages
4. "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, 384 pages
5. "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris 293 pages
6. "Dare to Surrender" by Lilli Fiesty 342 pages
7. "An Ice Cold Grave" by Charlaine Harris 280 pages
8. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
9. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
                                         10.  "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages

                                         11. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
                                         12. "Dark Visions: The Strange Powers" by L.J. Smith 230 pages
                                         13. "Dark Visions: The Possessed" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
                                         14. "Dark Visions: The Passion" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
                                         15. "Daughters of the Moon: Goddess of the Night" by Lynne Ewing 294 pages
                                         16. "The 8th Confession" by James Patterson 342 pages
                                         17. "Just Kids" by Patti Smith 320 pages
                                         18. "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare 485 pages
                                         19. "City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare 496 pages
                                         20. "Midnight Alley" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
                                         21. "Feast of Fools" by Rachel Caine 242 pages
                                         22. "Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood" by Koren Zailckas 342 pages
                                         23. "Lord of Misrule" by Rachel Caine 244 pages
                                         24. "Carpe Corpus" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
                                         25. "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine 237 pages
                                         26. "Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
                                         27. "Secret Circle: The Initiation" by L.J. Smith 320 pages
                                         28.  "Hot Six" by Janet Evanovich 350 pages
                                         29. "Fallen" by Lauren Kate 452 pages
                                         30. "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 353 pages
                                         31. "My Horizontal Life" by Chelsea Handler 214 pages
                                         32. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick 391 pages
                                         33. "Early to Death, Early to Rise" by Kim Harrison 247 pages

Book Vixens YA of the 80s and 90s Challenge

Book Vixen is hosting a challenge to read YA books written in the 80s and 90s. I plan to read at least 5. I will post my books here as I read them.

1. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
2. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
3. "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages

4. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
5. "Dark Visions: The Strange Powers" by L.J. Smith 230 pages
6. "Dark Visions: The Possessed" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
7. "Dark Visions: The Passion" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
8. "Secret Circle: The Initiation" by L.J. Smith 320 pages

Vampire Challenge 2011

I'm taking part in the Vampire Reading Challenge hosted by Parajunkee's View The goal is to read 20 books with a vampire as the main character. I will post my books here as I read them.




1. "Tempted" by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast 319 pages
2. "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead 332
3. "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris 311 pages
4. "Glass Houses" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
5. "Dead Girls Dance" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
6. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
7. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
8. "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages

9. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
10. "Midnight Alley" by Rachel Caine 256 pages

11. "Feast of Fools" by Rachel Caine 242 pages
12. "Lord of Misrule" by Rachel Caine 244 pages

13. "Carpe Corpus" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
14. "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine 237 pages
15. "Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
16. "Nightfall" by L.J. Smith 359 pages
17. "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 353 pages

Outdo Yourself in 2011 Challenge

I'm joining the Outdo Yourself in 2011 Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen. The goal is to read more books than I read in 2010. I read 80 in 2010 so I need to read at least 81 in 2011. I will post my books here as I read them.

1.  "Radiant Shadows" by Melissa Marr 340 pages
2. "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson 278 pages

3. "Tempted" by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast 319 pages
4. "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead 332
5. "Once Dead Twice Shy" by Kim Harrison 232 pages
6. "Grave Secret" by Charlaine Harris 306 pages
7. "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris 311 pages
8. "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning 388 pages
9. "Fear Nothing" by Dean Koontz 391 pages
10. "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White 335 pages
11. "Dark Song" by Gail Giles 292 pages
12. "A Bone to Pick" by Charlaine Harris 222 pages LP
13. "The Hunter's Moon" by O.R. Melling 283 pages
14. "The Night Bookmobile" by Audrey Niffenegger 40 pages
15. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls 288 pages
16. "The Reckoning" by Kelley Armstrong 391 pages
17. "The Final Warning" by James Patterson 256 pages
18. "The Haunted" by Jessica Verday 467 pages

19. "Real Murders" by Charlaine Harris 230 pages LP
20. "The Dark Divine" by Bree Despain 372 pages
21. "Beautiful Darkness" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl 503 pages
22. "Spider Bones" by Kathy Reichs 302 pages

23. "Somewhere Inside" by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling 470 pages LP
24. "Sisters Red" by Jackson Pearce 324 pages
25. "Glass Houses" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
26. "Dead Girls Dance" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
27. "Shadowfever" by Karen Marie Moning 608 pages
28. "I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted" by Jennifer Finney Boylan 267 pages
29. "Seize the Night" by Dean Koontz 443 pages
30. "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, 384 pages
31. "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris 293 pages
32. "Dare to Surrender" by Lilli Fiesty 342 pages
33. "An Ice Cold Grave" by Charlaine Harris 280 pages
34. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
35. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
36. "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages

37. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
38. "Dark Visions: The Strange Powers" by L.J. Smith 230 pages
39. "Dark Visions: The Possessed" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
40. "Dark Visions: The Passion" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
41. "Daughters of the Moon: Goddess of the Night" by Lynne Ewing 294 pages
42. "The 8th Confession" by James Patterson 342 pages
43. "Just Kids" by Patti Smith 320 pages

44. "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare 485 pages
45. "City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare 496 pages
46. "Midnight Alley" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
47. "Feast of Fools" by Rachel Caine 242 pages
48. "Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood" by Koren Zailckas 342 pages
49. "Lord of Misrule" by Rachel Caine 244 pages
50. "Carpe Corpus" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
51. "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine 237 pages
52. "Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
53. "Prom Nights From Hell" by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle 184 pages
54. "The Frenzy" by Francesca Lia Block 122 pages
55. "Secret Circle: The Initiation" by L.J. Smith 320 pages
56. "Hot Six" by Janet Evanovich 350 pages

57. "Nightshade" by Andrea Cremer 289 pages
58. "Vacations from Hell" by Libba Bray 156 pages
59. "Nightfall" by L.J. Smith 359 pages
60. "Fallen" by Lauren Kate 452 pages
61. "Plum Lovin" by Janet Evanovich 164 pages (AUDIO)
62. "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 353 pages
63. "My Horizontal Life" by Chelsea Handler 214 pages
64. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick 391 pages
65. "Early to Death, Early to Rise" by Kim Harrison 247 pages

Support Your Local Library Challenge 2011

I am once again taking part in the Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by Home Girl's Book Blog (formerly J Kaye's Book Blog).  My goal is to read 50 books borrowed from my local library.  Last year I surpassed my goal and hope to do so again this year.  I will post my books here as I read them.

1.  "Radiant Shadows" by Melissa Marr 340 pages
2.  "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson 278 pages
3.  "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead 332
4.  "Once Dead Twice Shy" by Kim Harrison 232 pages
5.  "Grave Secret" by Charlaine Harris 306 pages

6.  "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris 311 pages
7.  "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning 388 pages
8.  "Fear Nothing" by Dean Koontz 391 pages
9.  "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White 335 pages
10. "Dark Song" by Gail Giles 292 pages
11. "A Bone to Pick" by Charlaine Harris 222 pages LP
12. "The Hunter's Moon" by O.R. Melling 283 pages
13. "The Night Bookmobile" by Audrey Niffenegger 40 pages
14. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls 288 pages
15. "The Reckoning" by Kelley Armstrong 391 pages
16. "The Final Warning" by James Patterson 256 pages
17. "The Haunted" by Jessica Verday 467 pages
18. "Real Murders" by Charlaine Harris 230 pages LP
19. "The Dark Divine" by Bree Despain 372 pages
20. "Beautiful Darkness" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl 503 pages
21. "Spider Bones" by Kathy Reichs 302 pages
22. "Somewhere Inside" by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling 470 pages LP
23. "Glass Houses" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
24. "Dead Girls Dance" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
25. "Shadowfever" by Karen Marie Moning 608 pages
26. "Seize the Night" by Dean Koontz 443 pages

27. "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, 384 pages
28. "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris 293 pages
29. "Prom Nights From Hell" by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle 184 pages

30. "The Frenzy" by Francesca Lia Block 122 pages
31. "Nightshade" by Andrea Cremer 289 pages

32. "Vacations from Hell" by Libba Bray 156 pages
33. "Nightfall" by L.J. Smith 359 pages
34.  "Plum Lovin" by Janet Evanovich 164 pages (AUDIO

100+ Reading Challenge 2011

I am once again aiming to read 100 books in 2011.  I have gotten close the last two years but failed (I need to spend a little less time on the computer and I might actually make 100).  The challenge is being hosted & the rules to the challenge can be found on Home Girl's Book Blog (formerly J Kaye's Book Blog).

1. "Radiant Shadows" by Melissa Marr 340 pages

2. "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson 278 pages
3. "Tempted" by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast 319 pages
4. "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead 332
5. "Once Dead Twice Shy" by Kim Harrison 232 pages
6. "Grave Secret" by Charlaine Harris 306 pages
7. "Dead in the Family" by Charlaine Harris 311 pages
8. "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning 388 pages
9. "Fear Nothing" by Dean Koontz 391 pages
10. "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White 335 pages
11. "Dark Song" by Gail Giles 292 pages
12. "A Bone to Pick" by Charlaine Harris 222 pages LP
13. "The Hunter's Moon" by O.R. Melling 283 pages
14. "The Night Bookmobile" by Audrey Niffenegger 40 pages
15. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls 288 pages
16. "The Reckoning" by Kelley Armstrong 391 pages
17. "The Final Warning" by James Patterson 256 pages
18. "The Haunted" by Jessica Verday 467 pages
19. "Real Murders" by Charlaine Harris 230 pages LP
20. "The Dark Divine" by Bree Despain 372 pages
21. "Beautiful Darkness" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl 503 pages
22. "Spider Bones" by Kathy Reichs 302 pages
23. "Somewhere Inside" by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling 470 pages LP
24. "Sisters Red" by Jackson Pearce 324 pages
25. "Glass Houses" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
26. "Dead Girls Dance" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
27. "Shadowfever" by Karen Marie Moning 608 pages
28. "I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted" by Jennifer Finney Boylan 267 pages
29. "Seize the Night" by Dean Koontz 443 pages
30. "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, 384 pages
31. "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris 293 pages
32. "Dare to Surrender" by Lilli Fiesty 342 pages
33. "An Ice Cold Grave" by Charlaine Harris 280 pages
34. "The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening" by L.J. Smith 272 pages
35. "The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle" by L.J. smith 256 pages
36. "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury" by L.J. Smith 309 pages
37. "The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith 312 pages
38. "Dark Visions: The Strange Powers" by L.J. Smith 230 pages
39. "Dark Visions: The Possessed" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
40. "Dark Visions: The Passion" by L.J. Smith 224 pages
41. "Daughters of the Moon: Goddess of the Night" by Lynne Ewing 294 pages
42. "The 8th Confession" by James Patterson 342 pages
43. "Just Kids" by Patti Smith 320 pages

44. "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare 485 pages
45. "City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare 496 pages
46. "Midnight Alley" by Rachel Caine 256 pages
47. "Feast of Fools" by Rachel Caine 242 pages
48. "Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood" by Koren Zailckas 342 pages
49. "Lord of Misrule" by Rachel Caine 244 pages
50. "Carpe Corpus" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
51. "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine 237 pages
52. "Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine 241 pages
53. "Prom Nights From Hell" by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle 184 pages
54. "The Frenzy" by Francesca Lia Block 122 pages
55. "Secret Circle: The Initiation" by L.J. Smith 320 pages
56. "Hot Six" by Janet Evanovich 350 pages

57. "Nightshade" by Andrea Cremer 289 pages
58. "Vacations from Hell" by Libba Bray 156 pages
59. "Nightfall" by L.J. Smith 359 pages
60. "Fallen" by Lauren Kate 452 pages
61. "Plum Lovin" by Janet Evanovich 164 pages (AUDIO)
62. "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 353 pages
63. "My Horizontal Life" by Chelsea Handler 214 pages
64. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick 391 pages
65. "Early to Death, Early to Rise" by Kim Harrison 247 pages