100 Books Read in 2011!

I did it! I read 100 books for the second year in a row! I was not really trying to achieve the same goal again, but because I was reading through books so fast I thought I might as well race to 100.

Looking back over the books I have read, I can say that the majority of them were for fun and that I was not in pursuit of reading for educational purposes. There were a few books that were non-fiction, the majority were YA. While I find nothing wrong with reading for fun, I want to challenge myself to read books that are not in the fiction/fantasy genre and explore other types of books.

Reaching this 100 was just as fun as the last, and it just confirms for me how much I love to read and the positive impact books have had on my life.

And now for the list of 100 in 2011:

¤NW1:Secret Vampire 1-1-11
¤NW1:Daughters of Darkness 1-1-11
¤NW1:Spellbinder 1-2-11
¤Crescendo 1-7-11
¤Nightshade 1-8-11
¤I Do, Now What? 1-9-11
¤Blue Bloods
¤My Soul to Save 1-17-11
¤Going Too Far 1-20-11
¤Silver Kiss 1-21-11(10th)
¤The Social Security Fix-It Book 1-22-11
¤My Soul to Keep 1-26-11
¤The Iron Queen 1-30-11
¤Beautiful Darkness 1-31-11
¤Jellico Road 2-3-11
¤How to Ruin a Summer Vacation 2-9-11
¤Mascarade 2-10-11
¤Heist Society 2-12-11
¤Revelations 2-15-11
¤Perfect Chemistry 2-19-11 (20th)
¤Before I Fall 2-21-11
¤I Am the Messenger 2-24-11
¤Delirium 2-28-11
¤Infinite Days 3-3-11
¤Beastly 3-5-11
¤Tithe 3-8-11
¤Blink 3-8-11
¤Afterlife 3-10-11
¤NW2: Dark Angel 3-15-11
¤Desires of the Dead 3-18-11(30th)
¤Deamonglass 3-23-11
¤NW2: The Chosen 3-27-11
¤NW2:Soulmate 3-31-11
¤Unearthly 4-6-11
¤City of Fallen Angels 4-11-11
¤Cryer's'Cross 4-13-11
¤Gone 4-17-11
¤Wither 4-23-11
¤My Soul to Steal 4-26-11
¤The Healer's Apprentice 5-3-11(40th)
¤The Lost Saint 5-6-11
¤Illusions 5-9-11
¤I Am Number Four 5-13-11
¤All Together Now: Common Sense for a Fair Economy 5-14-11
¤My Soul to Lose 5-14-11
¤Bite Club 5-16-11
¤Rules of Attraction 5-22-11
¤Reaper 5-22-11
¤Heavenly 5-24-11
¤Matched 5-28-11 (50th)
¤Stray 6-1-11
¤Rouge 6-5-11
¤Pride 6-7-11
¤Prey 6-9-11
¤Shift 6-12-11
¤Alpha 6-16-11
¤Passion 6-17-11
¤The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 6-19-11
¤Nevermore 6-20-11
¤Academy 7 6-22-11 (60th)
¤Wicked Lovely 6-27-11
¤The Scorch Trials 7-2-11
¤Uncommon Criminals 7-3-11
¤Ink Exchange 7-11-11
¤Fragile Eternity 7-13-11
¤Radiant Shadows 7-17-11
¤Darkest Mercy 7-22-11
¤The Replacement 7-27-11
¤The Help 7-29-11
¤Stolen 7-31-11 (70th)
¤Forever 8-6-11
¤Anna and the French Kiss 8-10-11
¤Winter's Passage 8-10-11
¤Summer's Crossing 8-11-11
¤Supernaturally 8-15-11
¤Remembrance 8-21-11
¤Revolution 8-23-11
¤Succubus Blues 8-28-11
¤The Ivy 8-30-11
¤The Gathering 9-5-11 (80th)
¤A Northern Light 9-8-11
¤Ship Breaker 9-14-11
¤Bloodlines 9-16-11
¤Divergent 9-20-11
¤Stopping Time (1) 9-21-11
¤Stopping Time (2) 9-22-11
¤A Great and Terrible Beauty 9-26-11
¤Stork 9-29-11
¤Blood Bound 10-1-11
¤Tyger Tyger 10-3-11 (90th)
¤You Against Me 10-3-11
¤Across the Universe 10-5-11
¤Lola and the Boy Next Door 10-8-11
¤If I Die 10-11-11
¤The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 10-13-11
¤Saving Francesca 10-16-11
¤Everafter 10-18-11
¤Beautiful Dark 10-19-11
¤Alice Bliss 10-21-11
¤Finnikin of the Rock 10-29-11 (100th)

A Brief Hiatus (Well, more like 9 months)

So what happened? Where have I been? Good question. The last time I reviewed a book I was living in Washington, DC finishing up my Master’s in Social Work by doing an internship with Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW). I had so many adventures up there and I was going 100 miles an hour-story of my life.

But I know that still does not explain why I suddenly stopped the reviewing process because let me tell you, I definitely did not stop reading. I was going along fine and then I think I just found other ways to occupy my time.

As of now I have read over 90 books and thinking about going back and reviewing all of those books is a bit daunting. I can’t say what exactly happened. I actually really enjoy writing out my thoughts about the journey a book takes me on. It’s like writing about an adventure and all the people I met and how I came away feeling after investing so much time and energy into the story. And because of this I want to start reviewing again. I might just start with the most recent and work my way backwards or only review the books that really had an impact on me.

No matter how it happens, I always remind myself that reading is first and foremost for me. But if I can share a great story with someone or teach others about what I have learned then that offers an opportunity to make a connection with someone else. What a gift!

As always, happy reading.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Tithe by Holly Black

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

I Am The Messenger by Markus Zuzak

I had a friend recommend this book and I am so glad she did! This is the second book I have read by Markus Zuzak and he did not disappoint. As I have said before I love Zuzak’s writing style and the way he paints a story and develops characters. I think Ed Kennedy was such a realistic and very likeable character who may not have the best job in the world and his romantic life was non-existent but he does not look at the world in a negative way. I have never read anything where the main character’s profession is cab driving but it made me think about what an interesting job that would be considering all the people you would meet.

Is unassuming guy with is his peaceful routine inadvertently stops a bank robbery and his life is forever changed. After that is his first Ace comes from a deck of cards and arrives with a message which is basically challenge to change the world and help others. So Ed becomes the messenger and in the process he learns about himself and what it means to have awareness of other people’s struggles and successes. So good and life changing!

(Reviewed 10-8-11)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

My Review:
I liked it ok. I feel slightly disappointed by this book because it was given great ratings so I had high expectations. The theme of the book reminded me a lot of “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, a book I love. It was hard for me to get into this book because I found the main character so self absorbed and vain and even after she realizes she can right her wrongs, I still did not feel she truly understood the impact she had on others and how mean she really was. She justified her friend’s unfounded hatred and mistreatment of others and only a few times really called them out on it. She did not in any way try to change their perspective, people who were just as guilty as her.

While I was not invested in the character’s journey to redemption, I found Lauren Oliver’s writing so amazing, engaging, and awe-inspiring. I was completely captured in the way she could describe a scene with all the senses and looked at things in a completely different way. That is honesty what got me through this book. The message was clearly conveyed through Sam’s observations of Juliet Sykes, the school outcast, and how bullying and small comments can become the biggest monster of lies that we may never recover from. If I were to recommend this book it would be because of the message I received and Oliver’s writing style. I am looking forward to reading her other book “Delirium” which I have read is wonderful.

Pefect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book! Once I decided to read the first page I had a hard time putting it down. Simone Elkeles has a gift of looking at both sides of the story which is why her style of switching back and forth between her male and female characters works. I kept thinking about West Side Story throughout this book because it’s about two people with different lives trying to move forward in life hiding behind the image they show the world. I loved the Hispanic flavor brought by Alex’s character and found him easy to like. He is a guy who is smart, brave, and trying to protect his family and give his brothers a chance to have a better life than ending up in a gang like him. Brittany was equally likeable because even though she came from a life of wealth and luxury, those were not the things that mattered to her. She wanted her parents to say they love her, be present in their family, and love her for who she is even if she makes mistakes. Brittany also cares deeply about her older sitter with a disability and took care of her when she could and wanted her parents to acknowledge her as a person and not a problem.
I will say I found the end a little cheesy since everything wrapped up way too nicely. I am not saying I like dramatic or unhappy endings. Just ones that continue with the theme of the book and this one almost did not seem realistic. But no matter, I smiled when I read the last page and enjoyed the whole book cover to cover.

Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

My Review:
This one was good. It gets more intense as the Blue Bloods uncover more disturbing news about the Silver Bloods and we find out just how much danger their race really is in. This one was crazy with Dylan coming back, Jack and Schuyler trying to meet together secretly behind everyone’s back, and Mimi being herself and creating chaos wherever she goes. All the while Schuyer is trying to gain control of her powers and realizes that because she is half human this makes using her powers even harder because it fights against her nature. I hate the way she treats Oliver who has always been there for her and will love her no matter what but I can not deny that she relationship with Jack is exciting and one I hope works out. This one left me thrown for a loop at the end and I am excited to see where the story will go next.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

My Review:
I loved it! I have got to be honest and say I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. But I could not put it down! Ally Carter can create such likeable and smart characters that you feel like you can relate to them and I became attached very fast. The plot, pacing, and arch of the story were all so well done which is why I am not shocked when I finished it in like a day. I loved the relationship between Kat and Hale as well as her relationship with all the other thieves in her circle of friends. I am a sucker for stories with art history or ones that take place all over the world. I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series!

Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

My Review:
I enjoyed it. I know this is going to sound bad but I do not mean for it to be. This series in all honestly is not the most profound or earth shattering thing I have read and they are something akin to bad tasting beer that you know you should stop drinking but can’t. Therefore I can’t stop reading them and they continue to grow on me. This story was interesting with Schuyler finding her grandfather Lawrence and having him come back into the Blue Blood World. He helps her strengthen her vampire powers which she will need to defend herself against Silver Blood attacks. I have grown to care more about the characters as the series has gone on and I am invested in both Schuyler’s relationships with Oliver and Jack and almost can’t decide who she should be with, almost. It was easy, fast, and full of drama- Gossip Girl type guilty pleasure and I am ready for the next one.

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

My Review:
This one was good and entertaining but not great. I have only read two of Simone Elkeles’ books before but I thought she did a really great job with creating such deep characters faced with impossible odds. From that standpoint I would have to say this story was more “light” reading with the characters not as well developed. Even if you hated some of her other characters, you understood them and where they were coming from. Amy is a typical 16 year old who is concerned with her boyfriend, summer vacation, and the clothes she is wearing, ect. But when she gets a call from her estranged father saying Amy’s grandmother is sick and he wants her to come to Israel for the summer, her world is turned upside down. I liked that this story was set in Israel which is always fun to watch as characters explore a new culture and interact with the people. Amy was really funny at times and made me laugh out loud which is always the mark of a good story in my book. One thing I will say is I have high hopes these characters and this story will grow on me because the full story is set in three different books. All in all I was entertained and that is the whole point of reading to me anyways.

Jellicoe Road by Melinda Marchetta

My Review:
I really enjoyed this one! I had read reviews raving over it so I could not wait to begin. I have to say I was somewhat lost at first and it was hard to understand what was going on but then I caught on and got swept into the story. I felt like there were so many wonderful moments between the characters and lines that I want to remember because they ponder the significance of events and people in our lives in the most unassuming way. Taylor the MC was a breath of fresh air and a joy to read because while her life had been less than normal she did not act bitter and depressed and she saw the good in other people and appreciated what she had while recognizing what she did not. I thought it was interesting the way the author unfolded the story with the character’s memories which added significance to everything the characters said or did. It was a fantastic read and I know I will keep coming back to it over and over again.

Some of my favorite quotes:

- "My body becomes a raft and there's this part of me that wants just literally to go with the flow. To close my eyes and let it take me. But I know sooner or later I will have to get out, that I need to feel the earth beneath my feet, between my toes - the splinters, the bindi-eyes, the burning sensation of hot dirt, the sting of cuts, the twigs, the bites, the heat, the discomfort, the everything. I need desperately to feel it all, so when something wonderful happens, the contrast will be so massive that I will bottle the impact and keep it for the rest of my life."

- "He is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and it's not about his face, but the life force I can see in him. It's the smile and the pure promise of everything he has to offer. Like he's saying, 'Here I am world, are you ready for so much passion and beauty and goodness and love and every other word that should be in the dictionary under the word life?'

-"Is a person worth more because they have someone to grieve for them?"

- "It's funny how you can forget everything except people loving you. Maybe that's why humans find it so hard getting over love affairs. It's not the pain they're getting over, it's the love."

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

My Review:
You know, I enjoyed it, but I did not love it. To be fair I was not in the mood for a slower, southern Gothic read at the time I picked it up but once I got into it I remembered the pacing from the first book and got my expectations in the right place. I think what intrigued me about the first book, "Beautiful Creatures" is that it had such a different tone from anything else I was reading at the time and it introduced me to the Caster world which I knew nothing about. In the beginning of "Beautiful Darkness" I was trying to remind myself what happened in the previous book because these books are rather long at lots of events take place. I loved the introduction of Liv and of course I love the sisters and Alma since they bring humor into dark and scary situations. This book, in a sense, felt somewhat anti-climatic because there is all this build-up and adventure and then I feel like we landed back at square one. I am not sure I fully understand what Lena's choice means but I think that is the point and all will be revealed in the next books so until then I will be waiting for the story to continue.

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

My Review:
I loved this one! Probably my favorite book of the series. I have been anticipating this book ever since I finished "Iron Daughter" and it did not disappoint. There is action, romance, suspense, ect. I seriously had problems putting this one down and would stay up past when I should have been going to sleep. I felt like I was part of the story and that I was looking through Meghan's eyes and feeling her emotions with her every step of the way. The pacing was great and I loved the way the story progressed. Meghan, Ash, and Puck faced new challenges as well as teamed up against old rivals to try and save the Nevernever from being consumed by the Iron Realm. I was very happy that there was so much Ash in this book and that we get more detail about what he was like in the past which has always been a big mystery. There were so many sweet and yet heart-wrenching moments between Ash and Meghan because they were finally together but with a war looming over them there was the possibility their time together was coming to a close. Meghan really grew up during the course of this series and it shows at the end just how much she learned about herself and her part in the fey world. I am honestly shocked by the way it ended since I assumed there would be another book in the series. But according to Julie Kagawa she is planning on writing a book from Ash's POV called "Iron Knight." Oh my goodness I can't wait to read that one! Loved it! Must Read!

My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

My Review:

Spoiler Alert!)
Wow. For some reason this book was so much heavier than the other ones even though they all deal with death and losing one’s soul. It was quite the page turner and got so much scarier and darker than I thought it would with all the drug stuff and body possessing going on. This one tugged my at my heart strings because of the way Kaylee and Nash’s relationship shattered based on horrible choices Nash made. I am not sure how they will go on from here but it will take a lot of forgiveness and healing before they can ever get back to the place they were. But I have to wonder if this will not be a good test for their relationship (if they have one in the future) because at times it did seem superficial and Kaylee was never certain about Nash’s feelings for her. I think Kaylee needs to figure out who she is as a Banshee apart from Nash and come into her own as a paranormal being. I am all for reading the next book to find out what happens next!

The Social Security FIX-IT Book

My Review:
I read this in order to educate myself about the basics of the Social Security (SS) program for my internship in DC. I am interning at a place that deals a lot with SS and I will be honest and say I have never cared to know anything about the program. And let’s face it guys-there is nothing fun or exciting about SS much less reading about the problems we face today and the years to come. But I have to say this is a fantastic book because it actually taught me something in a non-boring and non-threatening way. To me, it made reading about SS the most entertaining way possible with all the cute illustrations and easy to read graphs and charts. It’s a book for the everyday person who can read this not knowing a thing about the program and come out a whole lot wiser and much more informed in the end. Here is the description on the front cover. ‘A Citizen’s Guide: A review of the program, its financing problem, and the leading proposals for eliminating the shortfalls. Everything the earnest but over-burdened citizen needs to know. Cheerfully narrated and handsomely presented in 52 pages.’